La Maison

Hmm.

2008-02-07T08:11:00.001+08:00

It is the first day of Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rat. For starters, it is a cold morning. I woke up and poured myself a glass of cold water.

Guess what? I've yet to pack my stuff, have not even figure out the number of tops and bottoms to bring and the type of clothes to bring. Of course, stick to light ones but it's the rainy season over there. Man....I sure hope, I can spend 80% of my time at the beach. I even borrowed romance novels just for that!

I'm in a dilemma. Should I or should I not move over to wordpress? I like their themes. Very sophisticated, with many clean lines BUT they're so RIGID, in terms of customisation. Grar. So, really. I am in a state of dilemma. SHOULD I OR SHOULD I NOT?

Alright, till my next post.

Reunion Dinner

2008-02-06T23:18:00.000+08:00

Here's wishing all Chinese...Xi Nian Kuai Le! Hope I got the spelling right. I'm going to pack my bag now. Just a light load for my much-anticipated vacation! I'm going back homeeeeeeeee~!!!!

Betcha know where!

Till I'm back~

Tschus!

Sweet Rats.

2008-02-06T06:46:00.000+08:00

Miniature cakes(or can I call it cupcakes?) to usher in the Year of The Rat. Cute looking but nothing great in the taste department. Rather bland cakes, with egg whites and sugar, creamed till fluffy and piped out in the shape of a rat. But, it's appealing enough. I can't even do that :p

Al-Fatihah

2008-02-05T07:06:00.000+08:00

I received a text message from Nizam at 2.20am, this morning. Usually, I'll scan through the message and head back to bed but this time around, the long message and most importantly, the name that was mentioned in the message woke me up.

His mum, passed away at 11.20pm, last night and the funeral will be held today, 11am, in Melaka where her uncle resides and where she has been staying to recuperate.

There's alot to say, but let me take my time to recollect my thoughts.

Living With Braces: Closing the Gap

2008-02-04T22:13:00.001+08:00

I'm sorry if I scared the heck out of you with that photo. But that's the only way I could think of, to allow you to visualise how my teeth currently looks like, after almost 9 months of wearing braces. My teeth and gums starts acting up, a day or two after my dental appointment. Each time I head over for my appointment, my cute and ever-so-witty dentist will change my ligatures and, it depends on him if he wants to increase the pressure being applied on my teeth or not.

So, even though, you lucky people, out there get the opportunity to listen to me whine about how my teeth hurts like hell...it isn't a bad thing, actually. Pain = movement. Movement = A GOOD SIGN THAT THE TEETH ARE SHIFTING. As you can see, the gap is now smaller. And my gums are messed up as in, really, some of the gums are sticking out. Ew. The upper teeth has achieved the intended shape, so its all good.

Currently, 5 of my teeth hurts like hell because he replaced the old powerchain with new, tighter ones. Powerchains are tighter compared to the normal ligatures, and they come in a loop format. Imagine a rubberband with loops. Can you imagine the tension?

As usual, I can't bite and I use my tongue to "cut" food like spaghetti and noodles by pressing it against my upper teeth. Either that or kaya buns for the rest of the week. Oh, and you know how my lower jaw protrudes out like a witch, right? That means, my upper teeth goes behind my lower teeth, when I clench my jaw. However, the dentist wants to correct my biting(sheesh, I've been biting the wrong way?), therefore, he extracted one tooth so that he can push the lower teeth a little further in. I can definitely see the difference because now, my upper teeth are over my lower teeth, when I clench and that also means, my protruding jaw, is not so...vulgar to the eye anymore. :p

Cheerio!

A What Did I Do post

2008-02-02T09:45:00.000+08:00

Oh God, I SWEAR I HAD NO IDEA!

2008-01-30T21:37:00.000+08:00

THAT XERXES IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YUMMYLICIOUS AND SO, SO, SO DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS AND DREAMY AND JUST SO............EDIBLE. AIEEEE PAPIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!

*faints*

Would you like some....

2008-01-28T00:39:00.000+08:00

Chocolate Cheesecake

2008-01-26T12:52:00.000+08:00

Well, it doesn't really look like a normal cheesecake because I used slices of swiss roll as the border. But, it tastes yummy! And it is definitely quick and easy to make because I only took an hour to prepare everything and voila~

Next round will be, strawberry cheesecake and no, no...no more swiss rolls. I was just experimenting! The cream from the swiss roll is so..yucky. Have I ever told you that I HATE mock cream? Yech.

GEBURTSTAG.

2008-01-24T22:38:00.001+08:00

As I am enjoying the leftovers from last night's zhi char (it's chilli crab, mind you(and I can't stop thinking of the irritating, I-Want-To-Smack-That-Guy line: Chilli craab, very goood, only 10 dollars)), I can't help but smile a contented smile. The kind of smile that stretches from ear to ear. The kind of smile that reaches my eyes.

Yesterday, was my dearest uncle's birthday. The entertainer, the diva, the beautiful person that he is who spreads love and joy to everyone around him. It is rare for him to spend his birthday in town, during his off days as he is constantly jetsetting. Last year, he celebrated his birthday in the Maldives. Seeing that he had no plans, I grabbed the chance and sent him a text message, informing him that his carriage awaits for him at 8pm.

The four of us shared a fantabulous time together, as we held a simple yet meaningful birthday celebration for him. No, we didn't go all out with the chi-chi restaurants and the diamond encrusted gifts. Instead, we showered him with warmth and love, and a promise of true, everlasting friendship on his big day, as he turned a year older.

He gave a heartwarming speech before he made a wish and blew out the candles. I almost teared because I could feel the sincerity in his words and I had to restrained myself from running towards him and crushing him with a big hug and saying, "I LOVE YOU TOO!"

Individuals like him, with a big, beautiful heart makes it all worthwhile.

Happy Birthday, Uncle Amin. We love you with all our hearts and may you find comfort and happiness in the arms of your other half.

xoxo

I Like...

2008-01-22T22:09:00.000+08:00

I like it when I start off my day with a hearty, wholesome breakfast of rolled oats drizzled with honey.

I like having my hair cut, at my regular hairsalon, by my regular hairdresser. I like how they will always serve the customers, a cup of Chinese tea, which I've never touched and don't ask me why. I love Chinese tea, believe me. I like flipping through the pretty much backdated style magazines, while the hairdresser tease and twist my hair around her fingers, or giving it a blow dry. I appreciate the fact that they are trying to break away from the ah lian stigma, by implementing a standard colour for their work attire - black plus the fact that they're tuned in to 91.3fm, an English radio channel instead of techno, which was their previous radio channel of choice. Personally, I prefer shampoo boys than shampoo girls because they use more strength when it comes to giving a head massage. Okay, maybe some girls are strong enough but most of the time, they're messing around with my head. The shampoo boys will massage the shampoo into your hair and gives you a neck massage, and light drumming all over the forehead. Bottomline, I feel like a million bucks everytime I walk out of that place.

I like the gym that I frequent. Because I'm a member, that means I enjoy the perks and privileges that are being offered unlike neighbourhood gyms. Ahem. But, that's not the point. I like how I don't have to wait or rush through my workout regime. I like how I can saunter into the shower cubicles and stand under shower head, allowing the warm water jets to cool me off. I like how I can walk out, wrapped in my towel, and calmly blow dry my hair and stare at how shiny the tip of my nose is. It's all about taking my own sweet time and not having to rush.

I like how when I popped green, seedless grapes in my mouth, the juice from within just burst with vigour and all of its freshness. I don't take red grapes. I don't like them very much.

I like talking on the phone before I go to bed, to update and share daily happenings.

I think I would like to do it right now.

Ciao!

Why I hate, hate, HATE periods.

2008-01-16T22:30:00.000+08:00

Going through the monthly menstrual cycle is a chore. But the span of time BEFORE your red gates opens up is a bigger bitch.

Why?

Because...

1. Your tummy becomes bloated. AND THAT SUCKS because all of a sudden, everything that I wear looks horrendous on me and nothing FITS snugly.

2. The munchies. I tend to munch non-stop, grabbing any types of food and shoving it in my mouth.

3. Patchy skin. Disgusting and uncomfortable feeling.

4. Dry hair. BAD HAIR DAY!

5. PIMPLES. Ew. Ew. Ew. Ew.

6. Angst. Grumpy. Foul. Foul. Foul.

So there. Periods are a pain in the ass!

(Reader is experiencing pms. Thank You.)

Are YOU Game?

2008-01-14T21:55:00.000+08:00

Who the heck came up with that term?

Starry, Starry Night.

2008-01-13T11:00:00.000+08:00

It was beautiful. Stupendously beautiful.

Stars. Thousands, gazillions of sparkling stars littered the dark sky. The cool breeze, grazed our skin, like soft kisses. Our carefree laughter could be heard in the stillness of the night. The crashing of waves was like a symphony to our ears, as we sat there, immmersed in each other's company.

=)

Living With Braces: Closing the Gap - Day 1

2008-01-07T21:11:00.000+08:00

The gap is smaller. It is not visible but I can feel it. And I CAN ALSO FEEL THE F*KING NUMBING PAIN ON MY GUMS. BLOODY HELL. I CAN'T EVEN BITE A PAPAYA. A PAPAYA, FOR GOODNESS' SAKE!!!

Living With Braces: Closing the Gap.

2008-01-06T12:11:00.000+08:00

I just got back from the dentist with a cool-looking transparent pair of ligatures. Yup, it is colourless this time around. He used the powerchain for the lower jaw to speed up the process of closing the HUGE gap(which everyone thinks is ugly and funny, that they have to laugh in my face =\). I will be seeing him again in two weeks time, which is fast, instead of the normal monthly appointments. This is, once again, to speed things up. The upper teeth, he says, are looking good and should be more than ideal.

I dig the transparent ligatures. They're so cool! I hope, the braces can finally be removed by June. Whoopee!

Breakfast!

2008-01-05T10:43:00.000+08:00

Instead, I stuffed the core of the cakes with strawberry jam. I wanted to sprinkle icing sugar but I thought of diabetes and yeah, I restrained myself. =p

There you have it, orange cupcakes with strawberry filling.

Bake, bake, bake.

2008-01-05T01:22:00.000+08:00

What is it with me going goo-goo-ga-ga over cupcakes and its relatives? It has nothing to do with the sudden craze, like howt Singaporeans went crazy overnight over Beard Papa, RotiBoy, Donuts, Cupcakes and every other sweet treats. Nothing to do with it whatsoever.

I just love baking. I love getting my hands covered in flour, when I use my hands to fold in the flour with the butter and sugar. The smell of vanilla essence. The cracking sound of the eggshells. And I love how cupcakes appears to be so delicate and sweet. It comes in all sorts of designs, colours. Beautiful shades that brings me close to tears. I could almost taste it in my mouth and I'll subconsciously wipe away invisible crumbs at the edge of my mouth. It is THAT good.

But it isn't all about cupcakes, really. It is my great love and passion for baking. I cook too but with mum guarding her stove, I don't really get the chance to try out recipes lest she's at work and I'm home alone.

I've just baked a tray of cupcakes sans frosting. The first batch were a flop in the looks department. Firstly, I did not use self-raising flour so ha-ha, it didn't rise. I think I added in too little of the baking powder. The second batch looks good after I added in more b.p and increased the batter in each cup. However, since I used normal flour, the cakes were denser when it is supposed to be fluffy and airy. So, I'm letting it cool till tomorrow morning and I will see, if I want to go ahead with the frosting. At least, I learn a few things from tonight's mistakes. Note to self: NEED TO GET SELF-RAISING FLOUR.

I'm gonna get some shuteye now. Waking up at 6 to iron the laundry and heading to the gym at 830am.

Toodles~

Post New Year

2008-01-02T22:33:00.000+08:00

I left the house early this morning for work, in my new clothes plus some make up on(more than usual). One of the best ways to motivate yourself to go to work - dress well and put on some make up, be it mascara, eyeliner, that extra pinkish lipstick and some sweet smelling perfume. I reccomend Gucci Rush. One of my favourites. Although the winner is still Fahrenheit - pour homme. A powerful and refreshing scent that is tremendously sexy.

I bought a newspaper so that I could read it on the way to work. I am trying to form a new habit by reading newspaper every day to improve my English, which has shamefully gone down the drain over the months. The train was not overly crowded. The passengers were somewhat quiet and sombre. Probably recuperating in silence from all the heavy partying since Christmas Eve up till New Year itself.

After work, I headed to the gym to burn off some calories. Worked on my cardio by brisk walking for 30 mins. It felt really good, perspiring and all. I hate running so brisk walking on the treadmill is good enough for me. Besides, I do not want to strain my kneecaps therefore, walking over a long distance is fine by me. Slow and steady, wins the race. Anyway, I was enjoying a hot shower in the shower room after my workout when someone just had to let out a stinkbomb. A silencer. OH MY GOD. IT REEKED LIKE HELL. I was so pissed off, I hollered, "Oh my god, it STINKS!!"

Seriously. Barf.

All in all, my first day back at work went pretty swell. Check out the beautiful fireworks that took place on New Year's Eve, at Marina Bay, recorded by my dad.

Goodnight!

Kaleidoscope

2008-01-01T13:33:00.000+08:00

And we pushed our way onto the stage before the clock struck twelve, dancing and cheering amongst other party revellers.

Hello 2008!

Alright, take out your pen and paper...

2007-12-30T22:28:00.000+08:00

and write down a list of resolutions for 2008 that you will NEVER, EVER fulfill.

As for me, the keyword here is, TRY. I will try not to allow unnecessary stress to bog me down. I want to be able to lead a happy, enjoyable life. I don't wish to be so critical with my body image. I am beginning to annoy myself for being over-paranoid with weight issues. Hence, I'll try to quit being so negative. I guess, all I have to do is work harder and exercise more. Allow me to summarise, I just want to have more zest in life, more smiles, more laughs and more love.

Again, I have no idea what is in store for me but whatever it is, let's just hope for the best.

Gluckliches Neues Jahre, liebe leute!

Drink up and be merry!

PAAAAAAAAAARTAY!

2007-12-28T20:06:00.000+08:00

It's amazing how watching a movie with Tuscany as its backdrop and listening to the melodious voice of an Italian tenor could inspire you to actually write something.

The soft rays of sunlight woke me up. I got up, with tousled hair and sleepy eyes, and made my way to the kitchen. Grabbed my red mug and made myself a hot mug of coffee. I've always enjoyed straining my ears to catch the quick sizzling sound when boiling, hot water comes into contact with the coffee powder. I really, really love it when the aroma of fresh coffee wafts into my nostrils. Boy, it sure is a good morning wake up call. I made myself a sandwich for breakfast that consists of salmon pate, generously spread onto a slice of ciabatta with chunks of cucumbers. Mmm. I've always have a soft spot for salmon and good ol' bread. It is even better when you get the extra crunch from the fresh green, cool cucumbers and deliciously red, fat, juicy tomatoes which are sliced thickly. GLORIOUS. Can you hear the angels sing in unison?

And now, you're about to hear groans of disbelief as I end this post with a snap of my fingers.

Sorry. I've lost any form of inspiration to write.

What has happened to me?!

Hmm.

2007-12-23T19:06:00.000+08:00

I'm here. My notebook placed on my dining table carved out from one of those solid ginormous trees from one of those forests in one of those areas in Java. Have I ever mentioned to you that our dining set was designed by my parents? (Note: Pompous air not included.) Yeaps. The thin line around the table? Their idea. The carvings on the chairs? Their idea. The simple glass design on the center of the table? Theirs too. And we love it. And I will be the sole heiress to all the immensely if-it-drops-on-me-I'll-go-into-coma heavy furnitures in this house.

I've noticed that not much content has been published here. I believe, being tired and not being able to think of anything interesting to write about makes a damn solid excuse. Well..there's the food entries. But I've stopped writing about that too, huh? It's my paranoia, I tell you. I'm obsessed with my weight and body that I believe, annoys the people around me. I'm not anorexic or bulimic. I don't shove my finger down my throat and vomit out my food. I don't think I have a problem, because I can pinpoint my error. So, er yeah. I'm AWARE. Ah, whatev.

I'm slowly getting used to having this wide gap. But the thread from the stitching annoys me. My tongue keeps messing around with it. Like a cat who keeps on playing with a ball of yarn. It definitely hinders me from talking as per normal because I feel embarrassed when people stare at the gap. And I don't think it's amusing for people to say, I'm ugly because of that. I really don't. It's impolite, don't you think?

I've written quite a fair bit already. Now, I shall go to my room and lie down in the darkness, to mull over things and stare out into space.

AYU SCREAMS

2007-12-21T17:46:00.000+08:00

I'M IN SO MUCH PAIN
IT'S UNBEARABLE
OWOOWOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWOW
OWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW
OWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWOWOWOW
*PULLS HAIR*

Living With Braces: All I Want for Christmas is my...

2007-12-20T14:30:00.001+08:00

BLOODY TOOTH!

I'm not really into typing out a long story at this moment. The weather is too beautiful and the bed beckons. So here is a photo for you guys. FYI, It is GROSS. =D

Buon Compleanno!

2007-12-10T09:42:00.000+08:00

to the love of my life!

All in a day's work.

2007-12-05T20:34:00.000+08:00

Usually, I will take the train to Marina Bay so that I won't have to rush for a seat. Luck was not on my side, this evening because there were hordes of people and you should have seen the stupefied expression on my face. Well, whatever. I had the company of Raoul and my romance novel. So, it was all good. But, I was feeling tired and edgy. Tres edgy and cranky. That's not good. I hated how the people swarmed into the train, how they were shoving and pushing to get in. Like sperms, huh?
Ok, digress. But, I was keeping my cool, totally absorbed with my book to even care. Besides, I was in a cosy corner, just as long as nobody dares to invade my territory. I think if anyone had actually tried, I would have given them a mighty hiss. I hated the train ride. It jerks EVERYTIME it arrives at a station. Boy, was I annoyed. I felt like hitting the driver with an umbrella.

The initial plan was to hit the gym after work. I hate feeling unfit. I stare at my reflection, poke and pinch myself for what seems like the ten thousandth time. I'm never happy with my body proportions. Always never satisfied. The only part I like is my collarbone, the only thing that appears to be bony. No, I like curves not bones. I'm....just not satisfied. YET. There has been alot of dining over the past weekend due to my dad's birthday. There will be more, since mum's birthday is this coming weekend. I can't be a spoilsport.

SIGH. A VERY BIG SIGH.

Anyway, mum called me when I was on the train. Obviously, I won't get my much needed workout.

SIGH.

We had dinner at Delifrance. I had to eat because I couldn't be a spoilsport and risk dying under the wrath of my mum, now can I? I was feeling so fat and I had to eat. But the food was good. And so was the company. We usually have girl-bonding time over dinner for two or shopping in town. We had soup and shared a plate of pizza which was superb for...a normal restaurant. I'm sure there are other restaurants that boasts thinly crust pizzas with ingredients flown in from all over the world. I had just completed reading a romance novel with delectable descriptions of scrumptious, colourful food from viva la Paris and dining in Delifrance was like the best and most easily accessible place to shut your cravings for green olives and fromage.

I told myself, "Fine, since I'm not gonna get my workout tonight. I'll just go have a facial." So, I'm going to shower and give myself a facial. Answer a few emails, send a few emails, make some payments, tidy up my room and write Christmas cards.

Maybe, it is all these pending stuff on my to-do lists that is stressing me up.

I am worn out. I need a break.

Pick a Colour.

2007-12-05T07:04:00.000+08:00

If I was handed a palette of colours and asked to choose one that describes the current state of my life, grey would be it.

How was lunch?

2007-11-22T21:19:00.000+08:00

"Good." I replied with an eager tone.

"What did you have?"

"Sandwich from 7-11." I said as a matter-of-factly.

I'm a sandwich and salad whore, seriously. I prefer my greens to meat anytime. Today, I chose a different location to enjoy lunch. I picked a shady spot overlooking the open field. I peeled the plastic cover to retrieve my cold sandwich, flipped open the pages of my novel and whipped out Raoul. The weather was kind and the place was dandy enough for me to relax and have some quiet time, alone. Don't mistaken me as anti-social or whatever but being an only child and all, I've always preferred to do things alone, on my own. Things are easier that way.

I shop alone, I go to the movies alone, I swim alone, I go to the library alone, I sit in the cafe alone. Everything. It has always been me, myself and I, really.

I'll definitely have lunch there again, sometime soon.

breakfast love.

2007-11-17T08:55:00.001+08:00

morning.

7am.

sheets.

white.

breath.

still.

air.

heat.

legs.

entwined.

cranberry & orange.

coffee.

steaming.

steady.

breathing.

heartbeat.

music.

pulsating.

touch.

warm.

scent.

musky.

beautiful.

him.

Random Facts

2007-11-15T17:19:00.001+08:00

1) It is a must for me to tear the toilet paper along the dotted lines. Any extras annoys me, so I'll rip till I'm satisfied.

2) I cannot leave the house without putting on my watch.

3) I have a habit of checking that my wallet and handphone are in my bag once in awhile.

4) My bag always contains my wallet, handphone, house keys, a packet of 3-ply tissue paper, Raoul, lip balm and Halls.

5) I can live without meat but not vegetables.

6) I don't eat cucumber unless they are sliced thinly.

7) I like white tops.

8) I order a mixed bag of popcorn at the movies.

9) I hate running.

10) I love swimming.

11) I cannot stand idiots with a know-it-all and mightier-than-thou attitude.

12) Lilies and butterflies works for me.

13) Al-frescoe joints gets my vote anytime.

helloo

2007-11-08T14:46:00.000+08:00

The reason for the lack of blog updates is mainly due to preparing for the examination, that is now OVER.

But...don't expect any more updates anytime soon because I'm still recuperating. Probably this weekend. Probably not.

I think I shall depart to my sanctuary - the royal red and let Raoul work his magic on me. OH. Did I mention that I got myself a new pair of headphones because the old one went kaputt. =D About time, I say. Gives me a very good reason to hunt for a new pair! The sound quality is dope, yo! I can feel it in my bones. Talking about bones. I need to get back to the gym and the pool. I will have to ask Franco to draw up a schedule for me. Also, it is about time that I start reading my Harry Potter novel. Yeap. Haven't got the chance to read it since the day I got it because of my studies. Can you believe how DISCIPLINED I am?

So, anyway, I'm losing momentum.

Till next time.

Still in the festive mood.

2007-10-29T00:08:00.000+08:00

My Hari Raya celebrations thus far..and there's more to come! =D!

Salam Lebaran 1428H: Day 1

2007-10-13T21:28:00.000+08:00

I love waking up on the first day of Hari Raya. It feels like a special brand new day. A day like no other. I can feel the escalating excitement in the air, waiting to explode anytime soon. The weather is always kind on the first day. Cool and breezy. It is as if, the weather too, understands.

I can smell the scrumptious food being heated up in huge pots. The coconut-laden rendang, the deep-fried chicken in spicy gravy. I can bet you, almost all Malay houses serves the same types of food. And on this particular day, mummies and wives seemed to put in the extra effort in their cooking, standing for hours over the stove and stirring the thick gravy endlessly, beads of perspiration on their forehead. It is as if they are serving food for the king.

I like to stand at my bedroom window and look at the groups of men, young and old, dressed in their new outfits, walking excitedly towards their car as they proceed to the mosque for the Hari Raya prayers. I beamed with pride.

The house is somewhat quiet. Peaceful. But, make a right turn into the kitchen, that is where the hustle and bustle is.

Our first day of Hari Raya always works in the same fashion. Dad goes for prayers. Mum prepares the food. Ayu wakes up groggily like a big baby and swaggers into the kitchen like a drunkard. I'll switch on the tv or the radio and blast the takbir raya or hari raya songs to get into the festive mood, which is so unneccessary BECAUSE you can already FEEL IT IN THE AIR! Dad returns home and proceed to the kitchen to wash his feet(we're taught or rather trained to wash our feet whenever we reached home) THEN will proceed to a) fish tank to arrange the corals and add more water b) watched TV c) prepare some other dishes d) cut fruits because the two ladies are too lazy to do so. =D Mum and I will then, take a shower and emerged from individual rooms smelling heavenly, donned in our finest, most exquisite and magnificent baju kurungs. Right. More like, we'll usually wear last, last year's baju kurung..which has fallen into the category of buat basahan. Heh. We will have breakfast that consists of the usual stuff however, this year, the folks opted for penang laksa and curry chicken with roti kirai. Dad, will then call his parents who lives in KL to wish and seek forgiveness. Afterwhich, we will get ready to start on our Hari Raya visit. But of course! Before that, the kleenex session. It is customary to go on bended knees and seek for forgiveness from the elders. Usually people will cry bucketful however, I shield mine by laughing like an idiot.

The first house that we will invade is always my grandfather followed by my grandmother. I think, first day is equivalent to "parking" day where all of us will congregate and just park ourselves at a particular house and enjoy the goodies plus watching whatever emotional drama that is shown on tv. It may sound boring to some but hey, its home and nothing can beat that. I've never liked spending Raya anywhere else but home. KL is a total ghost town though I wish, we had a kampung. Raya in Europe was pretty so-so too. It was only fun when we went visiting in baju kurungs during winter. But that's it. I still prefer to have it here, tropical climate, blistering heat or not.

Also, I've already come out with a plan this Hari Raya. I shall not be a glut! I shall not drink fizzy drinks. So far, so good. I've either downed cups after cups of coffee or plain water. I eat or rather, go on a testing spree of pineapple tarts at each houses plus other types of cookies. I take only ONE for each type, lest of course it's damn good, then I'll go for a second helping...or third..or fourth..

Oh, you know how majority of us enjoy going out decked out in the same colour/pattern/design? Well, we don't do that. Usually it is the parents who are dressed in the same tones. I, of course, will opt for something else. But this year, it was rather impromptu that the 3 of us wore almost the same shade. And I must admit, it IS fun. Heh. What was even cooler was when we bumped into my godfamily over at my grandmother's pad. They wore the same colour too! Cheh..macam dah plan nampak. So all of us got excited and was shrieking and laughing. OF COURSE we had to take a photograph. =D

SELAMAT HARI RAYA IDULFITRI
MAAF ZAHIR & BATIN!!!

Ramadan: Day 30

2007-10-12T01:20:00.000+08:00

What's left?

1) Scrub the toilet

2) Vacuum and steam the carpets and tiles.

3) Arrange cookies

4) Clean coffee table

5) Clean cupboard

6) Iron laundry

7) New bedsheets for my room

And the list goes onnnnnnnn and on..........

Ramadan: Day 27

2007-10-09T19:45:00.000+08:00

I've finally received some inspiration to type a few words instead of throwing photographs after photographs of food that the 3 of us have been consuming for almost a month now. Food, purchased from the lively and smoky heartland bazaar. Never walk inside with your pullover on. You will regret doing so.

As I'm typing...and trying to figure out what the next sentence should be so that it doesn't sound detached and..pointless, Dad is squatting in the kitchen as we speak, preparing the dough for the pineapple tarts that we're baking tonight. Yeaps, this shall be the last of the last before the bakery is closed for Raya. Overall, we have baked 8 types of cookies and I, the future makcik (although I seriously prefer the term, tante)was initially worried over the lack of variety and was almost at loggerheads with my mum, who ALWAYS have the final say because she's THE MUM and therefore, you can never win any arguments because she will shoot, behead and stop your heart from beating with these simple one liner: "I'm your mum, therefore SHUT UP."

Honestly, I've not been a good Muslim this year. I know being tired is not a good excuse but I'm so tired and sleepy that sometimes, I barely even make it into the shower. Yes. I break fast, wash my face, pray and sleep. I can count the number of times I performed tarawih prayers. I spend most of the time thinking of the impending celebrations instead of being close to God and do some soul-searching. So, I'm thinking. What have I earned during this whole month of fasting? Sense of hunger, thirst and tiredness. I have no idea if I managed to accumulate a few good points because obviously, I can't just login to a website to check on it, now can I?

I think I should have my shower and make myself a cup of coffee and work on them tarts.

adieu~

Ramadan: Day 26

2007-10-08T19:51:00.001+08:00

Ramadan: Day 21

2007-10-03T20:27:00.000+08:00

Can you feel the semangatness?

2007-09-29T16:59:00.000+08:00

I have no idea where I get the energy to do so much at such times, when I'm fasting and the throat is as parched as the sahara desert. I feel a sense of great satisfaction right now. I'm taking a short break before I hit the shower and cook dinner. It's just a simple dish of chicken curry with baguette. Initially thought of making roti kirai but nah. Let's just keep it simple.

Woke up at 10am this morning, after 5 hours of sleep. Knowing very well that time is on my side since it is a Saturday, I don't intend to waste it away. I'll be mighty pissed off with myself if I woke up at 12pm. I did the laundry and immediately started baking till now. Mum and I managed to bake chocolate chip cookies and cheese savoury fingers and if she's up to it, we might bake cinammon snaps tonight.

Dad is working hard, painting the tv room and I think it looks absolutely fabulous! I love the new shade that replaces our old teracotta wall. I'm not telling what colour he chose because I KNOW some people like to copy. Being backbone-less and no creativity to call their own, they like to imitate and conveniently call it their own idea. *roll eyes* Whatever honey. GASP! Bad ayu. I'm not supposed to talk in that manner when I'm fasting. Ah. But I see an opportunity to be sarcastic. So why not. Just like how I change my wardrobe and do a room makeover...some people just HAVE to follow suit and say they've thought about it for ages. MMHMM girlfriend. I'm not saying you CAN'T change the look of your room. Its fishy, that's all. But look at it this way, you need ME to show you the way. *smirks* Does that turn you off ? I hope it does. So you won't have to copy me! Hence the reason why I refuse to show photos of my room. I swear people. Why can't you just decorate it along your OWN taste? Alright, enough being catty and bitchy.

Oh, my sugee pudding was a success! My late greatgrandmother used to make this all the time and well, I'm just mad about sugee. It's sweet and the raisins makes it even sweeter.

I'm done with the toilet. Scrubbed the tiles and walls till I'm satisfied. Scrubbed the toiletbowl and sink till it shines. I hate having to curl my toes everytime I walk in. Whot else, whot else...

Oh...yes. Room is still messy. Hehe and I'VE YET TO SETTLE MY STUPID ASSIGNMENT WHICH IS DUE THIS MONDAY. BLEARGH.

Okay, I think my brain went dead on me. I'm gonna go cook now.

Till another more..fulfilling and meaningful post. =D!

One more thing. Do watch this advertisement. It is a very sad and meaningful story. To all my friends, Don't you DARE treat your parents this way or I will personally give you a good shelling.

Feeling-feeling Raya!

2007-09-29T02:24:00.000+08:00

It's 2.25am and I just got back from grocery shopping and supper with the uncle plus folks. I'm dizzy with excitement with regards to the Hari Raya preparations. That is always the best part. So many things to take care of..from the cleaning to fixing to decorating to baking to cooking. Everything!

Let's see..dad is handling the curtains this year. Left with my curtains, waiting to be sewn. I've brought down my lace curtains for a good wash and I intend to strip my room naked and clear away the birthday presents that I've left lying on the floor since July due to space constraints or rather, I'm too lazy and tired to think of a place to store them and NOT because I don't appreciate my presents okay! I sayang my presents too much that I don't intend to use them till..maybe next year. I want to add a few more touches to the room for raya. =D!

Since we're left with 2 weekends or so, I think it is time for me to start baking the goodies like every other kancheong makcik. And knowing very well that I can lose steam and get lazy in a matter of minutes, I decided to tune in to Warna and listen to the Hari Raya songs played on air to get in the mood and open up my bakery. Do or DIE. What else, what else...

WINDOWS. Got to clean and wipe till they sparkle. Wipe the mirrors, polish the furniture and doors. Hmm, basically that's it for now. Oh and more baking. Wooohoo! I'm hyped. Soooooo hyped up like an oversized hyper bunny!

Selamaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat hari rayaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa (8)

PS: It's the caffeine kicking in. Hence the retarded post.

Get back here!

2007-09-27T06:05:00.000+08:00

This whole week, okay, almost, since it IS a Thursday and Friday is just eluding me within a few steps(I cannot WAIT for the weekends, seriously)...err, where was I?

Oh right.

I've been verrrrrrrrry, extremely, disgustingly, horribly unproductive this whole(almost) darn week. Oops. Not darn since it is a blessed month. I'm always tired and sleepy by the time I break fast at 7pm. Sometimes I push back my shower time till 12am or 3am. I miss alot of tarawihs because of that too. =( Very disappointing. I'm soooo not doing my part this year. Even my assignment is on hold. What the hell is wrong with me? Like I need to snap out of this mode and get moving man.

But I can't wake up. My interrupted sleep. I'm just so damn tired! Grar.

I hope, I really, really hope I'll improve after this post.

Ramadan: Day 11

2007-09-23T15:29:00.000+08:00

The house gets a fresh coat of paint for Hari Raya! Not to sound boastful, but my dad does his work in an efficient manner. He paints, he does the cabling, he cleans the house, he cooks, he bakes and he sews.

He gets work done pronto. Yesterday, he took half a day to paint 80% of the house without making any mess. Why 80%? Because mum and I was asleep in the living room. But yeah, just don't get in his way or you're dead.

I'll end off this totally random post with 2 clips of my uncle karaoke-ing. It took place a few months ago. We got bored so we went out for durian and he felt the urge to sing at 12am. Watch!

Ramadan: Day 6

2007-09-18T19:53:00.000+08:00

Ramadan: Day 5

2007-09-17T21:54:00.000+08:00

All I Have

2007-09-16T15:02:00.000+08:00

I did the unthinkable last night. I'd actually, stepped foot in Geylang on the 3rd day of puasa! And I remembered, ever so clearly, what I told my folks, 5 minutes before deciding to head down to that forsaken place at such bad timing, "Whoever goes down to Geylang these first few days must be nuts!" Sadly, I had to eat my words. But, the crowd wasn't so bad afterall. Maybe, everyone had the same mindset and decided to avoid the area, thus resulting with a lesser crowd. But not many stalls are open so, I'm guessing, the crazy shopping for Hari Raya will commence this week. Hey, maybe I have to eat my words again.

I came home abt 1am or so and only had some shuteye at 5.45am because I had a dental appointment at 9.30am. You know, I feel so complete. My universe is totally balanced right now because I managed to accomplished almost everything on my list. I went to the dentist to change my ligatures. It's peppermint green! Perfect for Hari Raya. After the dentist, it was the gym followed by the hairsalon. I tell you, I swear I'm living THE LIFE. My universe is so at peace, right now and I've got this huge amount of happy hormones injected in me...so NOTHING can mess this up.

There I was, waiting for my hair to be attended to and I realised I'm lucky to have so much. I'm not referring to worldly posesssions, but more of human attention. I have a family doctor who talks to me about the education system and who keeps track of my life. Sorta. I have an optician who resembles very much like Santa Claus and who simply REFUSES to sell me shades because:

"Singapore is not that hot." or "You can just put on a cap." or "You don't need it. Don't waste your money."

ARGH.

I have a goodlooking dentist who is a joker. I have a friendly hairdresser who knows what is best for my hair and who knows I run to Bali at every chance that I get. I have a friend - a cook, who creates mouthwatering Chinese dishes that is not on the menu, just because I'm craving for it.

I have them. I have my parents, I have my friends and so much more. And I'm thankful. I really am.

Syukur alhamdulillah.

Ramadan: Day 3

2007-09-15T02:44:00.000+08:00

Ramadan: Day 2

2007-09-14T02:21:00.000+08:00

Briyani from Yusof Briyani Dam. Fragrant but not tasty enough..

Ramadan: Day 1

2007-09-13T20:18:00.000+08:00

Happy Fasting To All Muslims!

2007-09-07T23:08:00.000+08:00

It was meant to be. It was written in the Book of Destiny that I will meet you and fall in love with you.

I didn't know why I made that last-minute decision. I wanted to walk over to 7-11 to purchase something for breakfast but my legs went rebellious on me and took a left turn. My brain tricked me by saying "Hmm, let's see what they have over there." I saw a modern kopitiam and thought to myself, "Let's give their kaya toast a shot." My ideal Singaporean breakfast - Kaya toast, half-boiled eggs and a cup of coffee. On other working days, its vegemite on toast plus coffee.

At first, I was expecting normal slices of toast with kaya and cheap margarine spread thinly over it. BUT NO. They toast the bread till it turned into a perfect brown. They spread a dollop of kaya all over the bread. As in generous amount of beautiful kaya. And its colour. Oh the colour is so rich that you can almost taste it in your mouth just by looking at it. Oh let's not forget the margarine. My heart nearly stopped and I had to grab the nearest chair, just to steady myself when I saw the lady placing slabs of COLD BUTTER on the kaya toast. SLABS OF GOLDEN COLD BUTTER ON WARM TOAST. If you would like to be in my good books, THIS is how you should make kaya toast for me. The old-fashioned way.

It was a wonderful sensation as the cold butter and warm kaya came into contact in my mouth. I took my time to taste every bit of it. Nevermind the fact that the butter will contribute to my expanding waistline. Nevermind the fact that I might have a big tum tum. The toast was so delicious and crisp that I couldn't help but to let out a soft pleasurable moan. I'll definitely head back for more of this heavenly goodness.

On another note, I will be out of town for a short break to rejuvenate(hopefully) and shop till my legs fail me. So I'll catch up with you guys soon.

Take care and goodnight for I have a plane to catch!

First Year

2007-09-06T23:30:00.000+08:00

It has been a year since your departure and I still think of you everyday. I miss you, your smile, your smell, your laugh, your sarcasm, your wit, your anger. I miss everything about you.

1 year since you left for a better place. Alot of things took place. There was the birth of a babygirl whom is your greatgrandchild, your first grandchild's wedding, the demise of your son and who knows what else is going to take place.

There's really nothing much that I can say right now. I just wish you didn't have to go.

A quick one =p

2007-09-02T18:55:00.001+08:00

For entries on my birthday:

Bunny's blog

Kit's blog

Halif's blog

For entries on Bun's birthday:

Bun's blog

Halif's Blog

For entries on Len's birthday:

Bun's Blog

For entries on Art's birthday:

Halif's Blog

Aaand before I go off(can you sense my lack of interest to blog? God. I swear I tire so easily.), here are the photos of my cousin's wedding. I like the whole theme. Very subtle and earthly tones. The dais is a breath of fresh air, with colourful vibrant flowers. Best part. I'm TREMENDOUSLY SATISFIED with the array of food served. There were sooooooo many dishes to choose from, including the desserts. For those who will be tying the knot next year, I suggest you peeps check Fazanna/Fazzana/Fazana(no idea how it's spelt) Wedding House. Worth checking out!

Whatsup Sept?

2007-08-31T22:51:00.000+08:00

BUSY!

It Ends Tonight.

2007-08-30T21:24:00.000+08:00

You, guys, jolly well know that I've been extremely preoccupied with work for the past 1 month. I was pulled away from the cyberworld by the hair(okay, a little too extreme, aye?) because I had to be stationed at our customer's site for support.

SO.

The chapters are quickly thinning out and the story will come to an end very, very soon. The protagonists, antagonists, the various highlights of the novel, the peak, the intermission, the dull and sombre moments, the tongue-in-cheek lines, the humorous but forgettable parts, everything. Everything that was meant to happen, has happened. Every word and every action has done its part. Except for one bit. One tiny scene, waiting to happen. Should this scene be played out or shall we cut it away? It depends on the director. It depends on how the scene will begin.

Anyway, Thank you for the experience. It was a good warm-up. I've had enough.

Khalas.

Al-Fatihah.

2007-08-24T21:10:00.000+08:00

Who loves funerals?

Who loves death?

Especially of loved ones.

I received a call from my aunt that my granduncle(not sure of the title. Grandmother's brother) just passed away this evening and instantly, warm memories of him flashed in front of me. Of course, I am sad. He is my greatgrandmother's son and I love everyone that is related to my greatgrandmother because afterall, I loved her the most. The only person besides my mum whom I will always love. Sigh..I get so teary-eyed when I talk about her.

Anyway, I guess as you get older, the elders that you've known and spent time with since you were a toddler will eventually, leave this world. And I abhor that fact. I hate the fact that they will have to leave this place, one fine day. But, we can't question God about death as it is part and parcel of life and we have to accept this, for one day, my turn will come.

Habib, you will always be in my heart and warm thoughts...

Sigh.

2007-08-22T10:52:00.000+08:00

VERY ANGRY VERY VERY ANGRY.

I'm gonna say this and admit it out loud. The reason I gave you the money is not out of sympathy or sincerity or being charitable but because I want you to leave and not bug me with your sermon.

You came to my window and start preaching about God's greatness. About your disability. I can see that you're handicapped. But you don't have to beat about the bush asking for donation or wanting to sell your perfume to me. I feel so frustrated because I was in a situation whereby, I was FORCED to "donate" so that you will stop preaching to me about God. I don't have anything against that. But it is SO WEIRD that you can just stand there and discuss about religion and God with me when your main objective is to sell your "minyak attar". You talked and talked and talked and I was waiting for you to ask the golden question: "Would you like to buy one?" to which I will say, "No, thank you." But nooooooooooooooo, you spoke to me in such a complex manner that I REALLY wanted to cut you off and close the window.

I SHOULDN'T HAVE LEFT THE WINDOW OPEN. I know it is mean and evil of me to say that but whenever I'm home, I shut all windows so that such people won't come and bug me. I'm so angry with myself because a) I wasn't sincere when I donated, b) He's handicapped(early 30) and if I picture myself in his shoes, how would I feel going around doing this and c) I gave money to send him off.

I don't know. I'm just so pissed off. I don't like people mixing religion, faith and God with ulterior motives. He uses it as a weapon to make people feel guilty.

I'm very sad and frustrated. I just HATED the way he approached me and start questioning about faith. I just hated the way he did everything from A-Z that I told him, "Stop giving me a lecture, what is it that you want."

I hate him for making me feel like a bad person with no heart. I hate him for making me hate him. I don't hate him because he is a handicap. I hate his stupid manner. And because he is a handicap, I feel extremely guilty not to have any sense of sympathy for him because I always have a soft spot for disabled people. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

='(

I swear.

2007-08-19T11:57:00.000+08:00

I swear, I'll post more interesting entries with pretty, pretty photographs soon. Like, like, I was SUPPOSED to upload photos of my passe birthday bash. Like, like I was SUPPOSED to upload photos of a few other birthday queens. Like, like, I HAVE SO MANY BACKLOGS TO CLEAR!

Oh, just wait. Just hold your breath and wait for this space. Say, end of August, after I've submitted my pain in the arse assignment, which I DON'T KNOW HOW TO START. I'm so screwed. Really, really screwed.

In the meantime, I like this song although when I first heard it on the radio, I thought it was AJ from backside boys.

Oh. I went to the dentist this morning. Here's a short conversation.

Dentist: Pick a colour.

Me: Orange!

Dentist: Okay. *looks at my teeth* I'm gonna use powerchain on your teeth to close the gaps on your lower jaw. You will feel the tightness..

Me: Will I experience locked jaw again?

Dentist: Hahaha you know, you're like the only one who got that. For the powerchain, I only have it in pink, blue and purple. So, your lower jaw will be in pink and your upper jaw, orange.

Me: !!!! NO!! Pink! Orange and pink! Mad!

Dentist: hahahaha okay, okay pink.

Hi

2007-08-16T21:12:00.000+08:00

Just dropping by to say, Hello, Hi, Namaste, N'abend and Bonsoir.

I've been away from the office for almost 3 weeks or so and I've been missing from the face of MSN for almost 3 weeks and I think people are getting used to it..which is fine with me. :p

Blog updates has been scarce. Very scarce especially since I enjoy blogging. It's just this period of time in my working life that saps the bloody energy out of me. And when I go online at night, I'm bombarded by so many questions that I get even more tired and lazy to blog because I feel that I've updated the necessary people regarding what's going in my life, why I'm not online most of the time, what I had for lunch and dinner and what queer stuff that I encountered at work. All that.

It's work, gym, school. Weekends are with great friends and awesome cool parents and then it's work again and YES, the whole bloody cycle continues.

In the end, all these makes me go: "I CAN'T BE BOTHERED. I JUST WANT TO SLEEP ON MY BED, ON MY BIG PILLOWS."

Working life has been very, very interesting to the point of I FUCKING DON'T CARE AND STOP SHOWING ME YOUR ATTITUDE BECAUSE I AM TIRED OF BEING STEPPED ALL OVER. I'll let you have all the fun for now, pushing all the wrong buttons in me. Should you decide to step on my tail, one unfortunate day...then god willing, I will hit you back. I will SHAME you in front of everyone. I'm not going to let you off scot free. The thing that stops me from saying or doing bad stuff on others is karma. Oh, don't worry. I will wait. I will wait till I have an audience and I will strip you bare in front of everyone. I will make sure there's no sympathy. Only coldness from me. This is what you will get if you still want to continue to piss me off with your attitude. Stop stroking my ego because honey, I can tell. I can see through your lies and your front. When I'm nice, I'm nice. Don't test my patience.

Be sincere and stop being pretentious.

My ever so interesting mum. *updated

2007-08-10T22:53:00.000+08:00

Scene 1
After returning home from the gym, I left my water bottle lying on the floor near the main door, for 1.5 days. Of course, I should have placed it somewhere else, say on the kitchen table. But, I didn't.

Mum: How long do you intend to leave that bottle of yours over there?

Me: I'll clear it. Wait.

Mum: Wait for what? Christmas? Have to wait for me to nag at you else you will just leave the bottle over there to collect dust. Just like the clothes in the washing machine. I purposely keep quiet because I want to see who has the initiative to hang them. Look at the pots and pans. If I don't clear them, nobody will. Everything I have to do. Everytime have to wait for me to do it. I'm tired too, you know. You're not the only one working. I work too.

*From water bottle, it stretches to laundry, pots and pans and everything else.

Scene 2
My mum is a good listener. She pays attention to what I have to say/complain/vent. She really cares and understands what I'm going through in my life.

Me: Then you know...blablabla...I'm so angry! I can't believe blabalblalba. So MEAN RIGHT! Blablablalabbla......so that's the whole story.

Mum: Are you done?

Me: Yes.

Mum: K, goodnight. I'm going to bed. Listening to your story is giving me a headache.

Me: !!!!!!

Scene 3

Mum: Ayu, one more time you irritate me, I'll punch your teeth and make sure not a single one is standing.

Scene 4

Mum: Shaaaadddup lah. You keep on yacking and yacking and yacking like a chicken backside. You're giving me a headache!

Scene 5

Me: I want to eat nasi ambeng!

Mum: Go have that for lunch loh..

Me: Don't want! I want to have that for dinner!

Mum: Dinner, your head. Nobody eats nasi ambeng for dinner, ayu. Ambeng, ambeng. I ambeng you, then you know.

Me: *pouts*

Scene 6

Me: Argh. Should I buy that?

Mum: Buy lah, its your money.

Me: But, but, but, is it worth buying?

Mum: You better get it else you will regret it. Trust meeeeee, you will wake up tomorrow morning and regret not getting it.

Scene 7
When mum wants to irritate me while I'm on the internet, she likes to roll all over my bed.

*throws herself on my bed and asks this:

Mum: Can I lie on your bed?

Me: You're already doing that.

Mum: hehehehe.

*continues to surf the internet and chat on msn*

Mum: Aye-youuuuuuu........aye-youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu..(that's how she pronounces my name when she wants to irritate me)

Me: yaaaah?

Mum: Your bed is so nice...

Me: I know..

Mum: *looks at me* AYE-YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU, AYE-YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU.....what are you doing???

Me: Chatting..

Mum: Chat, chat, chat. Everyday chat not enough? Entertain me lahhh. When I'm not around, you will leglet not talking to me.

Me: ..............................

Scene 8
When it comes to electricity and water...

Mum: WEI! Electric free, is it? Government pay, is it? Electric drop from the sky, is it? One day, when I let you settle the bills, then you know. Cannot use clean water, must use from the toilet bowl. Now, use the fan, aircon, tv, laptop until shiok ah! Don't feel the pinch. Yalah, WHY? BECAUSE I'm the one paying!

Scene 9
The main line used to settle all doubts in me...

Mum: Trust me, ayu. I'm YOUR MOTHER.

Scene 10
She corrects me whenever I make a mistake..

Me: Ohh, it's like that huh.

Mum: Ah then. You stuuupid, pid.

Scene 11
Sometimes, I try to correct her mistakes too.

Mum: Don't teach your grandmother how to suck eggs.

Me: -_-"

Scene 12
The motivator.

Mum: And where are you going?

Me: GYM! I wanna exercise!

Mum: Gym, gym, gym. Run your backside lah.

Me: -_-"

42!

2007-08-09T23:13:00.000+08:00

Today, when I went out for dinner, I noticed a car with its bonnet painted with the Singapore flag. How patriotic. I always thought that compared to our neighbours, we're not so open when it comes to proclaiming our love for the country. Our neighbours will honk nonstop, wave flags, attached flags to their cars, paint their face, run around with the flags and probably serve mee goreng designed to resemble their flag.

As much as I love my concrete insel and as much as I like my gahmen, I think, this lion city is not a bad place to grow up in, afterall. Or maybe, I've not seen the world and see what they have to offer. I think the latter is true.

Here's a few reasons why I like this island.

1) A safe country. I can go out till 4am without being worried of getting attacked by druggies, thieves or rapists. I'm not saying, it's not possible. It's just..minimal.

2) Clean country. With many dustbins.

3) Neat stretch of roads.

4) We have a variety of food from various communities.

5) Racism is still around BUT it is not as bad as other countries. We still congregate together regardless of race and religion.

6) We speak in a horrible language that sounds funny. Really lorhx.

7) Public transports are so convenient and prompt.

8) A typical Singaporean lifestyle consists of checking out latest eateries, prata/nasi lomah/satay for supper, watch midnight movies and shop till you drop.

There are more reasons of which you can refer to Bunny's blog. I've become too lazy to continue this post.

So, happy birthday to you little island with a pompous personality.

OH. One more important thing. Our national anthem is titled - Majulah Singapura and NOT MARI KITA!!!!!

"Eh, why you never stand and sing Mari Kita?"

ARGH, pretty much sums it up.

2007-08-05T22:42:00.000+08:00

I just made the Japanese want to clobber me with their tatami because I drizzled tabasco all over the sushi I bought this afternoon. WELL. I couldn't find the wasabi although I, pretty much, have an idea where is it but just couldn't be bothered to actually search for it. Therefore I grabbed the first thing that screams "HOT!" which in this case is Mr Tabasco, himself. My tongue and lips are on fire as I'm typing this. And I'm lovin' it.

I shouldn't even be EATING anything at this hour. Bad, bad, bad. I think its the pre-reds syndrome. I happens to me everytime. Pimples start to appear and I start to eat and eat and eat without understanding the meaning of FULL TANK. Bloody hell.

Oh and I am very busy so if I appear to be lacking the extra vigour and "hahahahas" when you chat with me on msn or in person, do know that it is because I am tired and busy and my soul away somewhere, NOT because I can't be bothered to talk to you.

Another week, another week.

ARGH.

Anybody looking for MEEEEEEE??????

2007-08-02T21:41:00.000+08:00

Admit it. You, guys, TOTALLY miss me RIGHT? *wags finger*

Seeeee. I told y'all. One FINE DAY. One FINE, FINE DAY. When I disappear from the face of MSN, youuuuuuu *wags finger again* will start to pray and hope that MY MSN ICON goes GREEN with full of life and vigour. Ohh, how you people will rush and send me nudges and bombard me with AYUUUU WHERE HAVE YOU BEENN!!!!!!

RIGHT? RIGHT?

By the way, I'm appearing offline right now. XD

I'm bloody tired by the time I get home during the weekdays. During the weekends, during my freetime, after I have cleaned the house and room and ensured that I have kicked out all the bad chi away......I sleep. I sleep during my free time like a lazy cat. I don't bake. I don't bother to switch on the oven. BUT. I couldn't resist getting my hands covered in flour and eggs, therefore, I did whipped something up. Something very easy. WAFFLES. Yes! Waffles! And I wacked 4 pieces and went back to sleep. I can just set up my own store infront of my house and sell my very own waffles, aye. Waffles with vegemite, anyone?

Let's see, let's see. Updates, updates.

1. Yes, I'm stationed at the customer's site to provide support. Please continue to miss me.

2. Nadine, I LOVE that watch of yours. It is so masculine and hot!

3. Bun bun, calm down. You can catch me at night!

4. Azran, HOW DID IT GO? Yeah, not really stucked. I'm actually having fun though it is bloody tiring.

5. I'm a true blue emotional eater. I eat when I feel like celebrating, when I'm stressed out, when I'm sad, when I'm moody, etc. Currently, I AM STRESSED UP THEREFORE I SHOVE MY FACE WITH FOOD THEREFORE I GAINED 2 KG. BLOODY HELL.

6. After missing out on gym sessions for 2 weeks, heaven and earth is in sync since I managed to go 3 times this week.

7. My skin is in poor condition. Pimples are popping out like mini Bromos due to lack of sleep, unhealthy oily food provided by the company and STRESS, STRESS, STRESS!!!

8. Assignment is out. I better get rolling.

9. Runny nose, sore throat. I think I'm falling sick.

10. I miss baking cupcakes and muffins. There's a difference between these two.

11. BIRTHDAYS, BIRTHDAYS! I really hope I have the time and energy to be there. =D

And I shall it end here with this witty commercial. Enjoy, love!

Overdues!!!

2007-07-29T01:13:00.000+08:00

After my advanced birthday celebration, I felt like I disappeared and went into hiding for a few days since I didn't update my blog with photos and numerous "!!!!", which is so very typical of me. Well, the reasons are very simple, my dear Watsons. Number 1, the household was totally shagged from all the fun and stress of the barbecue party and number 2, my birthday falls on the same week as my office project's D-day. Hence, VERY, VERY, VERY busy and tired until I have no time and energy to do anything else but sleep. My room is in a mess, and my house is like a stopover for me to grab a shower, some shuteye and rush off to work again. Think, 4am.

I still have alot to write BUT I can't think of anything to start with so I shall not force myself to write rubbish and take my time, maybe tomorrow? I shall go get more sleep, more rest. Wake up early and head to the gym(been missing my sessions for 2 weeks. BUGGER.) followed by the hairsalon. THEN. Maybe then. I might be inspired to complete the pending entry which I feel, is compulsory for me to work on.

Till then.

Adieu~

6 Weird Things About Me.

2007-07-23T22:48:00.000+08:00

Lenny Kravitz got me to do this. According to the rules, each player of this game starts with the “6 weird things about you”. People who get tagged need to write a "blog" of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says “you are tagged” in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1) When I listen to music while I'm standing, I like to clench my individual buttcheeks...according to the beats of the song. Current buttcheeks-clenching hot favourite?

My Love.

If I clench my buttcheeks for you, just to say how much you mean to me, what would you do?

2) In a crowded area, I like to blow hot air at any Tom, Dick and Harry. When I'm in a good mood, I'll stand closer and breathe heavily down their neck. Just because.

3) I cannot have someone walking behind me in a long, narrow corridor. I will freak out and dash ahead + loads of screaming and hands waving in the air, because it feels like he or she is chasing me ala Scream.

4) I drink soup using a fork. Sometimes, I use my fingers.

5) When I am nervous, I chew rubber bands and shoot people with it using my tongue.

6) I still believe I'm a character in a storybook and some daddy is reading it aloud to his kid. This world is non-existant! We're all Winnie the Poohs!

Tagging.....
1) Bunny Bun Bun
2) Naaaaaaaaaaadiiiineeeeeeee
3) Michie
4) Hafiz and Aqillah (it's still one blog)
5) Nadiah
6) Halif lif lif lif

Tired, tired, tired!

2007-07-22T22:29:00.000+08:00

Today, late afternoon, I had my much needed siesta after attending a wedding. Let's chat a little about the wedding followed by the siesta. Not to sound biased or snobbish, but I swear, nobody or not many at least, can outbid my grandmother's cooking. There's no point for me to explain because you won't understand and will still scream: BIAS! Food wasn't impressive. I was expecting spicy, fragrant briyani or something. But they served something like the distant cousin of briyani plus prawns and eggs. There was this dish of meat in gravy that was layered with OIL. Like, a THICK layer of oil. After swallowing that piece of fat, I could visualise the fatty fatty fats clogging up my arteries. Oh hell. Once in awhile and it wasn't even delicious. And the cook they employed is a household name in the malay community. Anyway, I'm being mean. My mean, mean criticising mouth. Can you imagine what guests would comment on my own wedding, one day, someday? One thing is for sure, I'll get my grandmother to cook for me! I, personally, preferred the desserts they served. GUESS WHAT I SAW?

Pretty, pretty mini cupcakes wrapped in pink paperbase and decorated with a sweet pink heart. Perfect for a wedding and coincidentally, matches my outfit. It was an interesting wedding. One thing about malay weddings, we have so many themes to choose from and I guess, the reason why we prefer to have it at void decks and multi-purpose halls is because there are no restrictions as to how we want to celebrate. Sure, some will go for hotel ballrooms since they can afford it but I don't think we're allowed to have kompangs except IN the ballroom(not sure) and well, I agree with mum because she says it's pretentious and so stiff. You want people to have fun, relax and be themselves. Also, why waste unneccessary money?

And regards to my siesta. I guess I was so tired that I just slept and slept it felt like I slept for many donkey hours till I seriously, could NOT open my eyes. Hahaha what about that, aye? All I could do was listen to some documentary on harajuku and fish auctions and I was drifting in and out of my sleep, so I remembered mumbling, "Harajuku girls..gwen stefani..." *snoooresss*

Happy 21st Michie!

2007-07-20T01:03:00.000+08:00

I opened my bakery around 10pm and closed at 1am - after all the cleaning and tidying up so that I won't have to suffer the wrath of the dragon lady aka mummy who is sleeping right now. Psst. That's just her tactic to avoid getting a headache looking at the mess I have created in the kitchen.

This time, I baked vanilla cupcakes with milk chocolate frosting. Okay, so I'm still not a whiz at piping and obviously still at the amateur stage. However, I shall persevere and practise! But good thing is, it's edible. Okay, gotta rush to bed now as I have to wake up at 5am and carry the box to work. GOD, PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME OVERSLEEP!

Braces n Birthdays

2007-07-16T22:50:00.000+08:00

Besides Michelle's birthday party that took place last Saturday...I'm having an irritating moment with the sharp wire that is constantly poking my inner cheek. Bugger.

Hope you had lots of fun and enjoyed your birthday celebration, golden duckie!

2007-07-14T14:38:00.000+08:00

A Tuesday Encounter

2007-07-11T08:56:00.000+08:00

My face was flushed and beads of perspiration dripped down my forehead. Hair was tied back into a messy ponytail. I took long strides so that I can reach home by 9pm. So that I can shower and settle down just in time to watch Supernatural. There I was right, walking and carrying my huge black bag and I was about to quickly cross into a guy's path when the same fella slapped my left arm with the brochure he was holding on to. I was stunned for awhile and I turned to get a good look at him.

Guy: Hey R_ _ _ _ _ !

Me: Hey Pan_ _ an! How are you man?

Guy: Great, great, great!

Me: Wah, it's been a loooong time man...I'm so honoured that you can recognise me.

Guy: *laughs*

(I don't know what that means lah.)

Me: So, in NS?

Guy: Yah, yah. In army lah. What about you? Poly?

(I would like to enlighten some possible readers from neighbouring countries. Our polytechnics are equivalent to your colleges. We graduate with a diploma. Why do I say this? BECAUSE, when I told my granddad who lives in KL that I'm going to a polytechnic. He kept quiet for awhile and asked, "Why don't you take law? Why go to a technical school?" I assume he is referring to something like our ITE. Saying that does not mean I condemn ITE. I think they're fine. It's just the certain pool of students who makes it look bad.)

*Back to conversation

Me: I've graduated and am currently working..

Guy: Oh oh oh wah, you look different ar hahaa..

Me: Of course la..expect me to remain like my primary school years, is it? You pandan cake, you.

(When we were classmates in primary school, I liked to call him Pandan cake because of his name.)

(AND. He will retort with a loud, "SHADDUP LAH YOU REFEREE KAYU!")

(When he is in a bad mood and I call him Pandan cake, he will scream the above plus a middle finger. He was a pariah.)

(.............)

Guy: ahhahahaah..*observes me from head to toe* But..hmm..different lah..

Me: Eh, you talk like you're 30 years old.

Guy: hahaha *makes incomprehensible hand movements* But once you remove your braces, your teeth should be ok lah..

Me: *silently goes .................................................* I just put it on lah..

Guy: Oh ic ic nevermind, once it is removed should be fine.

Me: Hahaha, okay lah I want to go home. Take care! I'll see you around!

Guy: Okayy byee! Take care!

Living With Braces: Day 29 - It's BLUE!

2007-07-08T00:11:00.000+08:00

Me: Hello!

Dentist: Heyy how are you?

Me: Fineee...

Dentist: SO it has been a month now.

Me: Really? I lost track.

Dentist: Yes, so any discomfort?

Me: Na-ah.

Dentist: Do you want to use a thicker wire for more force?

Me: Sure! Let's do this!

Dentist: Hahaha..yes I know you want faster results.

Me: Yeah and get over it.

Dentist: Pick a colour.

Me: Dark blue!

Dentist starts removing the old ligatures and I was squirming in my seat because it HURTS. Some of the teeth are so sensitive it felt like he was yanking it out.

Dentist: Hmm, looks like we can't use a thicker wire because it seems that you are feeling some sensitivity. I think it is wise we wait till the next visit. Let the wire do its work a little bit more, okay?

Me: Okaaaay .....

Dentist: So its blue? Or do you want traffic light colours?

Me: WHAT? I can do that?

Dentist: Yeah..some requested for that. You can opt for multi colours.

Me: Oh coool but EEE no thanks

Dentist: Kays let's get started. Hmm, your brushing is good..

Dentist places new ligatures around the brackets. Ligatures are like tiny rubber bands which is tough to stretch. I had quite an uncomfortable time when he tried to place the ligatures on those teeth that are sensitive and shaky.

Me: GASP OH MY GOD!!!

Dentist: Sorry ar, sorry ar...open your mouth bigger so I can support your teeth.

Me: *makes painful noises*

Dentist: 5 more to go....

Me: *tries not to bite dentist's finger*

Dentist: Okay, DONE!

Dentist: Next appointment will be on the 26th of August.

Me: Suree....

Dentist: Oh, no wait. Make it on the 19th because 26th is my wife's birthday so I might not be in..hehehehe..

Sunday's Simple Lunch

2007-07-01T18:16:00.000+08:00

What did I have for lunch? Juicy, do-it-yourself Popiah! *strikes off popiah from list of craving*

Easy to prepare and cook. Let me just throw in the photos.

Shred turnips and carrots.

After it has been fried.

And now, steps to prepare a decent looking popiah.

On Friday night(yes, midnight), I baked orange cupcakes. But it's pink because I was messing around with food colouring. =p

I love how moist the cakes are and how pretty it looks sans frosting. I REALLY wanted to practise how to frost using piping bags but my mixture turns out runny and it won't come out nicely from the nozzle. I am not sure what went wrong so I intend to ask my aunt, the food maestro, the awesome chef who can whip up anything and everything...WHY DID MY FROSTING FAILED? Hahaha so instead of wasting it, I spread it all over the cupcakes. =p

If you'll excuse me, I shall go and make myself a few more popiahs. The last time I had them, I had 10 in one seating. I lost track because I had soooo much fun making the popiah. *laughs*

Wishes do come true!

2007-06-25T22:15:00.000+08:00

Yeaps, they really do! I don't have a fairy godmother but what I do have are fairy godparents who practically give me almost everything that I want. Almost because it depends if there's any logic behind it. Remember how I've been having BAD cravings for various kind of food over the week?

I managed to get all the cravings on my list over the weekends and it was impromptu. We went to JB for lunch over at an old kopitiam. Before that we headed to this old bakery and purchased simple jam pastries and salty ones too. I felt like we stepped into another century because the whole setup was so basic unlike the modern bakeries.

The kopitiam that we went to serves western and chinese food. If you can recall, I did a post on this place where I had the eggs and chips for breakfast. I ordered sambal fried rice and boy, I could smell the burnt..smell. Perfect. Spicy and burnt the way I wanted it to be and there were sausages! One of my cravings was fried rice with mixed vegetables and sausages and I got it! Bingo! Although I had a hard time chewing, I managed to use my tongue to mash and swallow it.

It was considered a late lunch for us since we had it around 4pm. Dinner was around 8pm and I wanted to check out this kopitiam owned by Chinese migrants and again, my parents fulfilled my requests. Hehehehe. I'm such a pig. Agree?

I screamed when the waiter handed out the dim sum menu because I thought they don't serve it at night. I GOT MY DIM SUM!!!!! It was a pity that I couldn't order the chicken feet because of chewing problems. Shucks. We ordered abit of everything and had rounds of testing. We ordered the chee cheong fun with beef. That was a first for me and YUMMAY! Chicken porridge with century egg, Beef Ball Noodles Soup, Spring Rolls(tho I had a hard time eating) were on our order list. I GOT EVERYTHING THAT I WAS CRAVING FOR. But I didn't really get to eat the noodles as it woved and intertwined around my braces and I had to pull it out. XD

Preis sind billig, food ist gut und authentically Chinesisch. That means - Price is cheap, food is good and authentically Chinese. ;) Will definitely be back to check out other dishes.

The last batch of cravings on my list falls under the Indian category. I wanted to try Pani Puri alas it was a Sunday and I refused to go out because I wanted to spend time at and with home. Heh. You will never get it but I truly, truly LOVE my house. I'm just really attached to it.

So, mum decided to cook chicken curry and I suggested to make roti kirai instead of eating it with rice. Something different for a change and besides, I wanted to learn how to make roti kirai. By the way, I INSIST that curry should ONLY be cooked using this type of metal pot. Using other types just doesnt cut it. It's just wrong. Like, ang mor eating curry with mashed potatoes. OH, the bad combination.
Roti Kirai is definitely a piece of cake to make. I'm so happy because now I know how to do it!

The batter.

Using a type of cup with mini holes, pour batter over hot pan. Preferably non-stick.

Roti Kirai waiting to be eaten. Yum!

I don't know why but I usually get to eat this only during special occasions. Now that I know how to do this, HEHEHE.

To wrap up the glorious weekend that I had the chance to experience(Food!Food!FOOD!), I baked chocolate chip cookies for my friend, Celine. It was a super belated birthday request thanks to her sore throat and me, with the hectic schedule. I'm really excited and happy to have received good, positive reviews regarding the cookies and it definitely spurs me to continue baking and trying out recipes. And I can hear my mum crying in agony right now. Hahahaa.

PS: Apologies for the lousy photos by my trusted handphone. It's giving me problems, frankly. I snapped alot of photos but they were corrupted. Humbug.

Forbidden Love

2007-06-23T04:39:00.000+08:00

So the title doesn't really make sense. In fact, it doesn't make sense at all! I couldn't think of anything that befits this post so I just used the title of the song I'm listening to as the title.

OH OH OH OH. Did I just say, LISTENING TO A SONG?????

YES I DID!

How?

Via iTunes.

But you don't keep songs in your iTunes.

That's because my iPod is connected.

But I thought your iPod is fried?

I thought so too BUT BUT BUT my dad opened up the casing AND VOILA MY RAOUL IS BACK TO LIFE!!!!!

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYY!!!!!!

I went to the service centre and the lady informed me that due to my expired warranty, they couldn't give me a replacement so I would have to PAY 500 bucks for a new model. PFFT. She also said my hard disk is corrupted so they can't do anything about it. I.WAS.SO.DEPRESSED.

BUT I'm FCKING ELATED BECAUSE RAOUL IS BACK TO LIFE!!!!

AND MY SONGS ARE STILL INTACT! All 2596 songs!!!

Now, I am making a backup of all my songs. I NEVER back up my songs and I always end up regretting not doing so. SO YES. SHE IS BACKING UP HER SONGS AND BURNING IT INTO CDS. THEN SHE WILL RESET HER BABY AND LET HIM REST FOR AWHILE.

My poooooor baby.....I promise to be more loving and less impatient with you.

<3>

Under the soft, glowing amber of...

2007-06-21T20:32:00.000+08:00

...my bedroom light, sitting cross-legged on the bedroom floor(no more chairs as my room has morphed again), notebook on my lap, tuning in to Lush, one important detail is missing from this scene..COFFEE. Hot, frothy, creamy coffee served on a white teacup with biscotti. I've always been in love with white and the sense of elegance that comes with it. I see beauty in many things and mostly, in weird things. But such weirdness stirs many emotions in me that makes me give a silent, satisfactory smile.

I love colours. I love strong, bold colours. Sometimes, I appreciate prints. I enjoy running my fingers across the objects, feeling the material, the fabric grazed against my skin, observing and absorbing the intensity of the shades. Colours also brings out the music in them. I can almost tag each colours to the various genre of music. Colours, music, food. Intimately beautiful, full of character and passion. I enjoy looking at it in a different light instead of just, you know, straightforward.

I'm currently reading a novel entitled, The Food Of Love. It is heavy with descriptions pertaining to food. Not just any food. Italian food. The way it is created, the way it is cooked, the different ingredients that goes with it to satisfy the palates, the amount of care and love poured into it, everything. Like what mummy always say: Cook with LOVE. That's what she always do.

Reading the novel DEFINITELY stirred my cravings for pasta and being tired and yearning to be home, I decided to make do with whatever that is available and that my friend, is INSTANT ALFREDO PASTA. The lowest anyone can go. I bought this instant pasta that comes in a cup in Mustaffa and well, let's just say, 5 forkfuls and I'm ready to hurl. It is so disgusting. The cheese is so artificial. Unlike other instant hurl-worthy-after-few-mouthfuls, this has got to be the MOST horrible version EVER. I added in black pepper. Didn't work. I threw the whole thing into the rubbish bin and ate prunes to get rid of the awful aftertaste.

If I have the time, I really want to take up culinary skills. Maybe when I'm done with my current course, I'll check it out. Language courses, culinary courses...at this rate, I don't have to get married!

Random Midweek Thoughts.

2007-06-20T21:23:00.000+08:00

1) What is wrong with Raoul? I'm so worried and frustrated. Why you gotta act like that with me, babe? I might have been pretty tough on you but you don't have to quit on me! We can talk things out! Don't give up on me, love! Pleaaaseeee!

2) Ayu, you owe me chocolate cookies...

3) Where's my present? Hmmmm....

4) No orange!

5) Book pit, book pit

6) Lots of cushions will be nice for my room

7) I'm tired of chasing all the worldly possessions

8) Go back to your roots

9) Work hard!

10) Don't rush into things.

11) I miss learning new languages. I want to start classes again! French, Deutsch, Italian!

12) 58kg 58kg 58kg!

13) Think, think, think

14) Relax, relax, relax!

15) Be levelheaded. Be grounded.

16) Must have humility

17) Suffer now, it's ok. It is a good learning process.

If it wasn't for halal issues and vanity, I will be an obese giant.

2007-06-19T16:30:00.000+08:00

I'm not hungry, I'm just deprived of good food and it is not because of the braces. This is the kind of craving that hits me in the afternoons. And it's not just ONE type of craving. It's the whole baggage. One big baggage of craving hurled at me. And what do I do? I surf food websites. I surf food websites with beautiful than porn photos to whet my appetite and soothe the cravings. And what happens when they also add in reviews and address? I want to head down there this very minute just to take in the smell and probably have a few mouthfuls. And then you realised. Shucks. It's not halal or as my non-muslim friends like to say - halah.

Therefore. Since I CAN'T EAT any of the food, all I can do is use the power of my IMAGINATION and IMAGINE I'm eating whatever it is that I'm craving.

1) BEEF BALL NOODLES
Served in those cheap primary school type of red bowls with red chopsticks and yellow spoons. OH, the smell of beef balls and the chilli hot hot. Oooooh

2) MINCED BEEF NOODLES
Same thing. Oooooh

3) Hainanese Chicken Rice SET
Steamed chicken with the juice oozing out, thinly sliced ginger, spring onions and chinese parsley which I hate. I take a sip of the chicken soup..*slurp* OOOOOOHH...Pour black sauce and the garlic infested chilli onto the chicken meat. Eat it with rice. OOOOOHHHHH..

4)DIM SUM
THE WHOLE TOWN!I WANT THE WHOLE DIM SUM PACKAGE!!!! Siew Mai, Chicken Feet, Char Siew Bao, Chicken Bao, Century Egg Porridge, Loh Mai Kai, Har Kow, Deep Fried Spring Rolls, Chee Cheong Fun AAAAAAAAAH!!!!

5) Fried Rice with Mixed Vegetables, Sausages
and soaked in curry. SEDAP. VERY, VERY NICE.

6) FISHBALL KWAY TEOW SOUP
Uncleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee why did you close shop?!!!!!!!!!!!

7) YAM BASKET
Basket. I miss the crunchiness of it.

8) SASHIMI
AAAAH WITH LOTS OF WASABI AAAHHH!!!!!!!

9)ROAST BEEF
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!

10) Crispy thin pizza
WITH TOMATOES, CHEESE, OLIVES, THE FATTENING CHEESE IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD AAAHHH!!!!

11) Fried Fish with Chinchalok
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

12) HERBAL EGG
AHHH!!!!!!!! With chicken rice...OHH HOHOHO..

13) Japanese Squid in that sweet red sauce
*faints*

14) CALIFORNIA MAKI

15) SANDWICH
With all the ingredients in the whole wide world!!!!

16) Kenny Rogers
I WANT I WANT I WANT I WANT

17) Potato Salad
I WAAANT!!!!

18) SOTO AYAM
With slices of chicken, lots of spring onions, tapioca crackers or emping AAAAAAAAHH!!!!

19) Stirfried vegetables
ANY VEGGIES I LOVE VEGETABLES!!!!

20) BEEF HOR FUN!!!!!!!

21)FISH AND CHIPS
Not just ANY fish and chips. I want authentic deep fried fish and CHUNKY FRIES

22) French fries with green pepper sauce
Which I can only find in Germany and IT IS SO DAMN GOOD DURING WINTER

23) GARLIC BREAD
WITH ALL THE HEAVENLY HERBS, I BOW TO THEE...

24) CHAR KWAY TEOW
WITH COCKLES AND SPICY AND BURNT LIKE MAD PLEASE

25) GREASY BURGER
With ketchup, mustard, chilli spewing out disgustingly with every bite.

26) SAUSAGES SOAKED IN CHEESE

27) SZECHUAN BEEF NOODLES

28) KONG BAK PAU

*chew fingers* *rips hair apart*

Dumpling Festival

2007-06-18T20:52:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow is the Dumpling Festival and although I am not 100% sure of the significance of this festival, I know for a fact that it is the time for you to consume the goodies - bazhangs or dumplings.

It comes in many flavours and so far, my utmost favourite - nyonya dumpling which has a blue dot smeared on the glutinous rice. The filling is sweet and chunky and I can't get enough of them. The other type that my mum recommends is a salty version, with chinese mushrooms and egg yolk. Delicious!

I wanted to order 2 rolls of popiah but the man manning the booth was too slow and parking was an issue so I couldn't get my hands on it. The place was so packed! Looking at the photo makes me salivate. If only I can use a pair of chopsticks to lift that popiah from the photo....sigh....

Living With Braces: Day 9

2007-06-18T14:35:00.000+08:00

Remember my entry on being an old, frumpy, grumpy giant tart?

Remember why I can't pinpoint as to WHY I was being such a mean grouch and practically destroying and killing everything that comes my way?

Well, some light has been shed on it this morning. My mum told me off for finishing up the painkillers given by my dentist. According to her, the painkillers are some strong stuff and I should only take it when I'm in pain.

According to the instructions stated on the package and given by my dentist, I was told to finish the whole cycle. So, I did. Apparently...........I shouldn't have.

Therefore, I was on drug overdose the whole weekend. AHHAHAHAHAHA. I laughed like mad when it daunt on me. No wonder I was so deranged, stoned, agitated, moody, irritated, drowsy and goddamn tired. Bloody hilarious. On Sunday, my dentist asked if I've completed consuming my pills and I said, Yeap! And he gave me more! Hahahaha so NOW, mum warned me to only take the pills when I'm in pain and not like 3 times a day.

Now, how was I supposed to know that?

I Feel Much Better Now.

2007-06-17T07:54:00.000+08:00

I managed to wake up at 6am on a Sunday! I'm so afraid my sleeping time goes haywire because that's bad. I can't keep on depending on my mummy to wake me up everyday. The weather is very refreshing to the body. Cool wind and cloudy skies. Perfect weather to snuggle back under the quilt.

But I can't go back to sleep because I have an appointment later and I wouldn't want to be a bad patient who keeps on being late for her dental appointments. Who knows. I might irritate him and he might just yank all my teeth out. THEN what am I supposed to do? Probably break his golf clubs. Hehe.

I confess.

I.am.a.Bollywood.fanatic. THERE, I've blurt it out. I've been sorely, awfully addicted to it since I was in primary school. When Salman and Saif were scrawny, skinny actors and look how GORGEOUSLY yummy they are now. I'm biased. I only watch Yash Raj movies and I only watch movies with star-studded cast. Why? Because I KNOW, the movies will be worth watching. After years of watching hindi shows, one after another. You start to understand the trend. Some are just crappy. ;)

The latest movie I would like to catch is this

Standard storyline, same formula. But I don't care! Good cast, funny lines, hip-shaking music. BRING IT ON! Oh and it's not just about the movie, it's the whole damn package. With energetic music that makes your shoulder, hips crack in pain..how can you not love it?! The theme song for this movie is being played non-stop on Raoul. Woowoo!

Anyway, I'm not gonna catch it any time soon. I'm going to wait for the vcd. =D

Oh Mustafa, here I come~

Grumpy Frumpy Giant

2007-06-16T23:20:00.000+08:00

I have no idea what is wrong with me. I'm just so angry. I have this big, big, immensely, HUGE ball of anger in me...and I don't even know where it came from! I don't have any issues to deal with. I don't have any massive problems pushed to my face. I don't have people who irritates me. SO WHY AM I SO ANGRY AND JUST PLAIN GRUMPY?

KEINE IDEE!!!

Let's just diss the public right now. Just for kicks. This afternoon, I was queuing up to pay for my groceries and in front of me was this couple. Must be in their teens, soooooo full of raging hormones. I was SO disgusted. The guy was like leaning in and tickling her ear with his lips, she was obviously horny and started giggling like a deranged, sexually deprived maniac. He was groping everywhere and they were kissing openly. Helo?! I was sooo tempted to scream "EEW DISGUSTING!!!!"

But I just let out a faint "Eew." This kids. I swear. Get a room!! I would love it if their parents were there. Ho ho ho ho what a great performance. Stupid young kids. Stupid stupid stupid. If I have siblings like them, I'll drag them by the hair and humiliate them in public. Stupid kids.

Sigh, I'm just so moody. Oh and I hate how some 18 year olds and above, especially those who are about to graduate with a diploma, have NO IDEA what to do with their life. Like how difficult can it get for you? Either you further your studies or WORK. Life's like that. Unless you're rich, then be spoilt and be a brat and go have a dumb ass life, out partyin' thinking THIS IS THE LIFE when actually, you're just wasting your youth, your parents' money with pointless stuff. STUPID. I HATE IT VERY MUCH when they think it is OKAY to take a break and do nothing. How can you actually think of doing NOTHING? How can you be so bimbotic and go like "Oh I wanna go on a break and just do nothing and watch tv all day long and meet my girlfriends for pancakes."

Man! I hate such mindset! Okay, maybe it's because I'm just so intense and perhaps, anal to a certain extent that I can't really sit down and unwind. Well, God carved me this way and you just have to get used to it. So shove it!

I'm not that pissed off after ranting a whole pile of rubbish.

2007-06-16T09:26:00.000+08:00

SHREK 3 IS SO DAMN LOUSY AND BORING!!!!!

DISAPPOINTING!!!!

Ocean's 13 had better be good.

Living With Braces: Day 5

2007-06-14T22:23:00.000+08:00

I went for my appointment at 7.30pm as planned. I entered the room and he gave a bright smile and with full of concern in his eyes, he started firing questions at me.

Me: Hello!

Dentist: Ulcer?

Me: Er, no..

Dentist: Fever?

Me: Nope

Dentist: Alright, take a seat. No ulcers?

Me: Noo..

Dentist: No fever at all?

Me: Nooo..am I supposed to have fever?

Dentist: Well, most patients will get ulcers and fever for the first few days.

Me: Oh. Not me!

Dentist: Let me see..*lifts my lips(hafiz.shaddup.) and slides his finger around to feel for ulcers* Okay, open your mouth slowly.

Me: *opens mouth* See, I can only open this much.

Dentist: Ok, close your mouth. *starts touching and pressing my face, jaw, chin* Does it hurt??

Me: Nope, na-ah, nope, nope.

Dentist: Ok, now, try to close your jaw.

Me: *tries very hard*

Dentist: You know what? Your two front teeth are moving.

Me: And that's good?

Dentist: Yeah it is. I'm surprised your teeth are moving faster than expected. Because as you know, initially your upper teeth goes behind the bottom teeth but now, the upper teeth are actually meeting the bottom teeth instead of moving to the back. Your upper teeth is like in a rectangular shape and what we want to achieve is a curve, a U. So I've applied alot of force on the two front teeth to actually bring it forward, or we use the term jump. Now, the teeth is trying to jump. That's why you feel alot of pain for the teeth at the sides.

Me: I'm not in pain, just a whole lot of discomfort. But yaaay! Teeth are moving very fast, they must be excited! Haha! *at the same time, sensed that my joke fell flat*

Dentist: Yeah ok

Dentist: Remember I placed something on your bottom teeth so that you won't be able to fully close your jaw.

Me: Ooooh...so that's what it's for. So it's natural that I can't open my mouth wide?

Dentist: Yeah it's normal. You actually have locked jaw. That's why you can't open your mouth properly. Tell you what, take ice packs or place ice in towels and place it against your cheeks and slowly move your jaw. Your jaw should be back to normal after 10 days or 2 weeks. If it doesn't come back and let me take a look. I'll prescribe some medicine for you.

Me: I need painkillers!

Dentist: Ah, remember I wanted to give some to you on Sunday?

Me: yeahyeahyeah...I took panadol instead. Hehe.

That's about it. I'm so happy that my teeth are moving! Whee! But I forgot to mention to him about my ligature. Now, I have to go back on Sunday to see him. I sure hope he doesn't stumble upon this blog. Else I'm gonna get it from him.

Good job guys! Come on! Move, move, move, schnell, schnell, schnell!

Living With Braces: Day 4

2007-06-13T11:07:00.001+08:00

Teeth sensitivity has decreased quite a bit. However, trying to close the jaw is still quite tough. My Y.C.E dentist called and I'm slotted for a 7.30pm appointment later. At least he can see it for himself. NOTE TO SELF: REQUEST FOR PAINKILLERS. Also, I think I brushed too hard because one of the ligatures came off. Hahaha. It takes me about 20 minutes to brush my teeth, brush underneath the wire and the bracket sides, gargle, stare at my teeth to see if I miss out on any food particles and apply bonjela all over the insides of my mouth. Let's not forget the panadol so that I will have a proper sleep.

I think the fact that I have braces on still freaks some people out. This morning, an office colleague saw it for the first time so she kept on staring and staring and staring. Sigh. Last night, my mum fed me and I felt like an old lady with no teeth because I can't use my teeth and I can't open my mouth wide so all I can do is suck and swallow.

Mum is on leave today. She's gone to the hospital for her regular drip sessions which lasts 8 hours. I hope she's getting better. Jia you mum!

Living With Braces: Day 3

2007-06-12T15:02:00.000+08:00

So I've learnt the proper terms for my dental braces.

1) The metal thingies on each of my teeth are called brackets
2) The wire is called archwire
3) Them coloured thingies are called ligatures

I slept pretty well last night. Maybe its due to the panadol or I was just plain tired. I don't remember waking up abruptly. Food-wise: Porridge and miso soup. Healthy and baby crap. But it is delicious, so no complains over there. However, the fact that I can only open my mouth to a maximum of 1 finger is freaking me out. I need to give my Y.C.E dentist a call and I can bet you I am going to sound stupid. I sure hope it is normal and part of the process. Sheesh.

Living With Braces: Day 2

2007-06-11T22:11:00.000+08:00

Later part of the day, mid-afternoon, I started to feel discomfort around the jaw area. I didn't know why and I didn't really think much of it. When I was at home, only then did I realised that I could not open my mouth widely as per normal. No wonder!

Due to the limited opening, I couldn't eat properly using a spoon, my jaws felt sore and freaked out at the thought of having my jaws locked. My neck muscles are strained and I have a slight headache on the left side of my head. I shall pop a panadol before I go to bed later. Definitely regretted not taking the painkillers.

Mum was tres sweet to cook porridge with minced meat since she knows it is such a chore for me to eat. You get so tired of trying to eat that it becomes a turnoff and you rather walk around with an empty stomach. She let the pot of porridge boil under low heat, ensuring that it becomes almost puree-like so that I don't have to chew and just swallow. Thank you very much, mum!

On a positive note, I noticed the teeth have shifted. Good sign!

Living With Braces: Day 1

2007-06-10T16:54:00.000+08:00

So, what’s with the new accessory?
Well, my teeth needed fixing in terms of alignment, hence the braces.

Don’t you think it’s a bit late to do it now?
I don’t think so. I’m still 20 so it’s still not that tough to restructure the bones. However, it takes awhile. It is easier for kids as their bones are still soft.

How was the preparation like?
First, my dentist (very young, very cool and very much the extrovert) discussed with me the pros and cons of putting on braces and if he thinks it is a necessity. He then, took x-rays of my teeth and shoved some expensive plasticine to get the moulds of my teeth. Photos of my teeth and my face structure were also taken for reference. I looked like a bloody criminal. My Y.C.E dentist told me that surgery is required to extract two of my wisdom tooth, which has grown in absurd positions. One was lying 90 degrees and pushing the tooth beside it and the other one is a leaning tower of Pisa. That’s another story, though. It’s still inside my gums. Khkekhe.

You can choose the kind of braces that you want to get – metallic or ceramic. Ceramic are less noticeable but not much force can be applied, as it is kind of fragile. I opted for the normal metallic ones. My logic: more force = shorter time span.

That’s quite thorough. But the sound of surgery makes my insides squirm.
Ditto.

What about the procedure? Did it hurt? Looks kinda nasty with all the wire and brackets.
Yeah, initially I was quite afraid of that as I heard a lot of comments regarding the pain factor. However, I have a cousin who used to have braces and she assured me that it was painless. Maybe, it’s also due to the fact that my Y.C.E dentist is careful and patient.

First, he cleans the surface area (I just had my lunch before the appointment and he knows I went on an eating spree the week before the appointment.) He then sprays my teeth with some blue liquid and shoves cotton wool into my mouth to absorb the saliva. Next, he applied some tar-like liquid onto each tooth before placing the bracket on it. I guess it is a type of “glue”. After placing all the brackets, he attaches the wire and tightens each bracket with the coloured rubber bands of my choice. It was a lot of nudging and pushing and twisting. It was painless! But, I shut my eyes everytime he places the bracket and rubber bands because the tools used looked scary. He’s got like mini spanners and scissors. It was freaky. After that, it was aaaaallll good. He went like “Don’t worry, you look better than Ugly Betty” and I just gave a “MMHMM”.

He sounds like a funny guy. What colour did you choose?
Red. Need you ask?

How was the feeling after that? Discomfort? Weird?
You know what? It feels normal. Like when I hide my chewing gum and paste it on my gums when I want to suck on sweets. Yes, I’m that disgusting. Weird will be the part where I have to bare my teeth when I want to laugh. The braces get in the way when I want to move my lips.

Yeah, you got the disgusting part right. Anyways, any precautions?
Tendency of getting ulcers is there cos you know, metal grazing against the inner flesh can cause sores. What I’m afraid of is the wire getting dislodged and scratching my inner cheek. Ouch!

Brushing is another issue. I’ve got to really put in a lot of effort to ensure that the food particles are fully removed. I’ve got 2 types of toothbrush to use. Poor cleaning will result in having baaaad breath. I have to brush really slowly unlike my normal violent pace because of all the metal. It hurts abit.

Any extractions?
None! Zilch! Nada! And Gott Sei Dank for that! Only trimming is required to leave some space for the teeth to move.

What about food? Anything in particular that you have to avoid?
Solid food is a no-no. See, I’m not in pain. But it is the sensitivity that is driving me nuts. It’s like, numb and when I accidentally grit my teeth, that numb sensation is there. I can’t chew food as per normal since I have to depend on my last two teeth. Eating is definitely a pain in the ass. Bye bye cupcakes, toast, waffles.

So far I’ve consumed mutton soup sans mutton (and that’s sad), kaya bun which I have to tear into small bite-sized portions and push it right to the back of my mouth and use the saliva to dissolve before I can swallow it. And I did choke once. Lunch at work consists of mashed potatoes and miso soup. I think I’ll be staying away from burger and meat because cleaning is such a turnoff! You have to stand in front of the mirror and slowly brush underneath the wire and stuff. Good hygiene, though.

The only complain you’ve got is with regards to sensitivity.
Yeapo. I woke up a few times last night, due to shock because the teeth came into contact with each other. I swear it feels like all my teeth can be yanked out with one mighty tug. Oh, I find it abit tough to open my mouth too.

Right now, I can feel the pressure against my teeth. Y.C.E dentist says that’s good as it means the teeth are moving. Wooohoo!

Any regrets?
Na-ah. Absolutely not. I think it’s really cool and I just hope everything goes well.

Heh, all the best then.
Gracias! Will give u more updates!

That was a lousy way of filling you guys in with the details pertaining to my braces but I couldn’t think of any other way but this.

Till next time~

Brace Yourself!

2007-06-10T15:46:00.000+08:00

How?

2007-06-03T21:28:00.000+08:00

Wow. The wedding has come to a close and alhamdulillah the celebrations went on very smoothly. It's a new chapter for the newlyweds and they will be flying to Switzerland for their honeymoon tomorrow night. I slept throughout the day because of the tiredness. Luckily, it was held on a Saturday else I'll cry thinking of Monday.

I enjoyed myself, had a lot of fun being the bridesmaid. My biggest regrets was not being able to put on the henna on Thursday night because I was unwell and also, I didn't get to EAT. I heard the dessert section was very nice. Sigh. Other than that, it was all good.

I've compiled a few photos taken during the solemnisation ceremony which was held on Friday. More photos of the celebration on Saturday will probably be uploaded on another weekend. BUSY LAH!

Solemnization Ceremony

2007-06-02T00:33:00.000+08:00

Syukur Alhamdulillah. Everything went smoothly although I DID get pissed off with some over dramatic ladies. Save the drama for RTM, will ya? The celebration is ongoing as we speak, or rather as I type this entry. Yeaps, it's a pity I can't sleep over as I'm unwell and really need to get my rest. Another day of celebration coming right up.

Aah, can't get enough of watching the guys do the samrah.

Wedding Prep Zwei

2007-05-31T09:46:00.000+08:00

Here's what happened last night at the bride's house.

And the heroes were practising their samrah. It looks like I'm pressing play and rewind since all you see is them going back and forth. But that's the whole beauty of it with the gambus and everything. Anyways, entschuldigung for the bad vid rec and horrible photoskill-ess shots.

Busy busy busy! I hope I'll be able to recover in time.

2007-05-30T17:39:00.000+08:00

Current favourite track by Cheb Mami feat Elissa. Too bad, the video is not out yet. I don't understand the lyrics, if you're wondering. I wanna get the album!

I'm counting the days to Friday. I think my excitement might just make people go "Haiyo!" Who cares, it's my sister's wedding! Like. Finally! Someone in the family is getting hitched.

Okay, ran out of steam to write. I'm gonna pray now and wait for my parents to come home. We're gonna collect our outfits and I hope it is exactly the way I want it to be. The celebration will begin TOMORROW. *faints*

Pre-Birthday Lunch, Out-of-Breath Dinner and everything else.

2007-05-27T00:32:00.000+08:00

Do close one eye because I'm going to dump everything under one post due to my hectic schedule, meticulously planned by my personal secretary, Anjelo.

This afternoon or rather yesterday afternoon, 4 of us girls had lunch at Sakae for an early birthday celebration for Ah Hui. She's quite popular for being late when it comes to appointments so we thought of giving her a taste of her own medicine. Told her to meet at 12 and the 3 of us will arrive at 1. So, she will have to sit there for an hour, either fuming mad or crying. Gotta give her props cos she actually FORGOT about lunch. Very nice.

We ordered a cake for her with a short message to remind her that she's not really a kid anymore.

Sakae was good. We didn't order any sets, just stick to ordering coloured plates. I had a nice time satisfying my craving for sushi. I didn't really went all out, though, as I had to go for dinner afterwards. That is another story coming right up.

Symptoms of sleepiness started to kick in, with it being a Saturday afternoon. We went home with heavy eyelids, feeling sushi-fied. Whatever that means. I came home. Rested for awhile and had to get ready to go for dinner with the folks.

Dinner was good although the spread wasn't really mindblowing according to my dictionary. Nevertheless, the food kept me interested for a long time because by the time I shoved the fork of watermelon in my mouth, I realised that I was out of breath. SERIOUSLY. I couldn't breathe properly. It has been a long time since I ate to that extent. I started with soup, salad. Pretty harmless. I went for sushi. Again. I, then, fed my tummy with carbs - boiled potatoes, grilled vegetables and fusilli peppered with some unknown spices. That was a good one, actually. Darn, I should have gone for a second helping. Oh, they had shawarma and I was tempted to mess around with it. I felt so cool to be like those turkish guys sans big tummies and bald heads, of course. I stuffed the pita bread with morsels of grilled chicken meat and walloped it in 2 bites. Okay, at this moment of time I would like to remind the jury that the bread wasn't that big and thick.

They had this huge black coffee machine which looked menacing and formidable own its on. Just sitting at that corner waiting for its buttons to be pushed.

I.REALLY.WANTED.A.CUP.OF.GOOD.COFFEE.

Firstly, the full cream milk was a turnoff and the high possibility of me exploding after a sip of warm coffee didn't really work well with me. In the end, I meekly took the packet of jasmine and green tea to calm my tum tum and quickly went back to the table, with my head down. Mum persuaded me to have the chocolate fondue because she knows me so well. If I don't take fondue, I will regret it. The very first thing I will think of when I wake up the next morning: "Damn! I should have eaten that fondue!"

2 sticks of apricot coated with sinful orgasmic chocolate, courtesy of the chocolate fountain. After all the sudden gastronomic madness, I'm going to lay low this upcoming week and stick to simple food. Think sandwiches and fruits. Really, the amount of junk clogged inside...

Okay, Anjelo is forcing me to go to bed right now because according to the schedule he mapped out for me, I have to wake up at 4am to iron the laundry.

4-6am : Iron laundry

6-8am : Revision

9-10am: Gym

1030am: Hair appointment

3pm: Dental appointment

Oh alright, I'm going already!

2007-05-25T16:49:00.000+08:00

I've got so many things to let out and so many things to SAY but I think its wise not to because I'm so tired of it and seriously, why spoil the weekend mood?

So, fuck you very much.

Have a great weekend everybody!

Wedding Prep

2007-05-22T22:43:00.000+08:00

The berkat or gifts for the guests have already been prepared. Forming the boxes, packing the gifts, taping the ends, storing it in bigger boxes, throwing the rubbish. It was a team effort. It took us 7 hours to pack 2200 gifts. It was a tiring, neck straining, back breaking affair but doing it together with the family was definitely great.

9 more days....

My Tak Tau Malu Birthday List updated again

2007-05-20T23:21:00.000+08:00

As a considerate and helpful individual, I have consolidated a list of ideal presents that you can get for my birthday. At least, you don't have to worry if it's going to be a white elephant or not. =D

1) Recipe Books
Be it cooking or baking, any recipe books are highly-appreciated and I just might give u a big hug! Just make sure the recipes are not crappy, for example, the ridiculous quantity of ingredients required and the confusing procedures. Think, SIMPLE. I am currently eyeing a particular book on baking entitled "The Essentials of Baking." The cover is pink in colour, has pretty pictures of muffins and its $19.95. Oh, you can get it at Borders.

2) Cake Mixer
Not that I need one. There's one in the house that is functioning well. I just want one of my own. A RED cake mixer. Huge ones are fine! Kenwood or Meyer.

3) Notebooks
Can never get enough of them. I like hardcovered notebooks with minimalist illustrations. Very chic.

4) Balloons
BIG, BIG balloons. Those shiny ones in the shape of a heart or with clowns that screams HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!. I know its childish but its my 21st and I can be as outrageous as I want.

5) Don't get me clothes
You will have a hard time trying to find my size. Leave the stress to me.

6) Stationery
Gel pens, metallic inks, coloured markers, highlighters. I love to doodle!

7) Birthday cards
Pretty cards with lots of messages. Keepsakes! Worth the memories.

8) Jewellery
If you're contemplating to get me one. I like silver and I cannot wear cheap, low quality ones as I have skin allergy. It would be such a waste if I can't put on the pretty thing that you got for me. I'm currently looking out for earrings and long necklaces with pretty heart lockets.

9) A4 Paper or Construction paper
Cos, I just love..papers.

10) Colouring books
And colours.

11) Accessories for Raoul
Raoul needs ~~silicone cover and a screen protector. Mine's a 4th gen. OH! New pair of headphones too.~~ an FM transmitter that uses power from the iPod batt itself. Thanks~

12) CDs
Hed Kandi, Cafe Del Mar, Acid Jazz, Lounge, Latin, Jazz, Trance, Techno. Nah, just kidding bout the last two.

13) Coffee Machine
Because I'm a coffeeholic and I like to meddle with the buttons.

14) A man.
Naw, just kidding. Maybe not. =D

You know what? Scratch all that and get me THIS instead

My uncle got himself an 80gb iPod and THIS and let's just say, I WANT ONE TOO! Get me an FM transmitter and the iPod Hi-Fi or any iPod speakers will do. Portable, please.

Come to the light.....

That's my Raoul on top of a future Ferro...Ohh, the affair...It might just be possible. It's all up to YOU. ;)

You can also add in a dj for me. *winks*

Idol Auditions

2007-05-19T12:46:00.000+08:00

Just For Laughs

2007-05-16T22:47:00.000+08:00

A Burpin' Good Time

2007-05-13T10:40:00.000+08:00

Hunting down for the best cuisines is part of a Singaporean lifestyle. It's in our blood to search for food that falls into categories like: "Weird but interesting", "Sedap", "CHEAP! CHEAP! CHEAP!", "Shiokness" and "Never again", just to name a few. It's either food or shopping. These two just mesh well with us. We are all white-collared zombies by day and Bobby Chin by night.

Yesterday, 5 of us - parents, parents and me. My sister is in Melbourne. - met up for a night of local fare indulgence. My parents are the type who will travel to the end of the world just to try coconut juice served in a coconut shell made of gold. And so are my sister's parents, especially her dad who is curious about anything and everything and will try it just for the experience. Life is short. That is his mantra.

He wanted to introduce a seafood restaurant that he went to 2 weeks ago but funny thing was, its closed. We, ended up trying this halal restaurant for zhi char. The place is always packed and last night was exceptionally crowded because of Mother's Day dinner. We were given a table at the back of the restaurant, which was fine by me because I've always enjoyed eating at queer and rather unhygienic places because I truly believe that you get the best food at such places. Think, roadside stalls in Indonesia. Where do they get water to wash their plates, you wonder? Who cares? My tummy is strong enough to withstand food contamination. Food poisoning causes diarrhoea. Well, all the better because there's more room for me to stomach in more food! There's a cockroach roaming around, who cares? So long as its not on my plate.

So, we had Uncle Pete take charge of the ordering of food. We had a total of 5 dishes that was in reasonable proportions. It was really good and satisfying. Like what my mum said, "Its not one sauce for all the dishes." which is true because alot of Malay Muslim restaurants who proclaims to serve authentic Chinese dishes, actually serves different dishes soaked in the same sauce that is cooked to suit the Malay palates. Basically, its sweet and sour everything.

Our dishes arrived one after another and we started to eat with full concentration, once awhile breaking the silence with a "This is good, you should try this."

My personal favourite for the night was the Garlic Prawns. Deep fried to a golden brown, I didn't have to peel the layer of shell away, instead I just chewed the whole thing plus its head which I'd normally donate to my mum.

I wasn't too big on the Yam Basket, though. It was okay for me. I mean, its yam? What do you really expect? But the rest of the adults loved it. We had the black pepper crab which was easy to consume because of the soft shells. The black pepper sauce was quite generous too. And of course, we had the steamed fish which I did not try because I was just not into it that night. My dad commented on its freshness. So, I guess, it was good.

After the scrumptious dinner, we checked the time and what do you know? The night is still young. Its a Saturday and you just HAVE to stretch the hours for all its worth. I know some will be wondering, what the heck is so fun about going out with 40 year old parents?! Like, we don't share the same frequency. I beg to differ. These people are extremely young at heart and we have alot of things in common. My sis and I are really blessed to get zany parents who doesn't find the need to try too hard to act cool because they already are. =p

We walked for awhile to let the food settle in and also, to regain our normal breathing pace. Your breathing gets haywired once you're stuffed. What's next after dinner? Dessert! And like any true blue Singaporean, we went to Geylang in search of durians. We purchased a few and drove over to the reservoir to enjoy the heaty, sweet and creamy lulians in the chilly night. Again, I'm not a fan of durians and I wasn't craving for it. Instead, I was busy scanning around for the ice-cream man. I could hear the distant ringing of bells and I jumped up excitedly, only to realised that some stupid dog had a bell attached to its collar. But I managed to get the old-school ice cream. You know, the block of ripple-flavoured ice cream wedged in a slice of bread or wafers. Ah, back to the old times, I say.

It was close to midnight and we just had to do one more thing before we actually call it a night. Teh Tarik Session lah. The joint was packed as always but our drinks were promptly served. We chit chat and watched the cars and bikes that strolled through that stretch of road. Its like a pre-requisite for these people to drive by ever so slowly, make alot of noise and blast their stereos to gangsta garbage songs. I would love to hear someone blast "NOW I KNOW MY A B C NEXT TIME WON'T YOU SING WITH ME?" That would be a good change.

And yes, I did mention that I had the sudden urge to bake in the earlier post. Muffins! Almond with chocolate chip muffins for breakfast on Mother's Day. =)

Before I end this post, a big shoutout to all Mums..Happy Mother's Day! And to my mummy dearest, I love you verrrrrrrrrrrrrrry much!

And now, I shall get ready because we're on another food hunt!

Random thoughts right now

2007-05-12T16:42:00.000+08:00

BLOODY sleeepyyyyy

the urge to sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep

the urge to bakeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

mum doesnt want a cakeeeeeeeeeeee

mum doesnt want flowerssssssssss

stuupid assignmentttt

not enough time spent at homeeeeeeeeeeeee

i'm so tireeeeeeeeeed

i didn't shower last night agaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin

i'm a slob

a nice-smelling slob

=)

Engagement

2007-05-10T17:32:00.000+08:00

D-day is drawing near and I finally, decided to upload a slideshow of my sister's engagement which took place last year. Its amateurish, so be kind with the criticisms. This heart might not be able to take it. Hahaha..

La Maison

Hmm.

Reunion Dinner

Sweet Rats.

Al-Fatihah

Living With Braces: Closing the Gap

A What Did I Do post

Oh God, I SWEAR I HAD NO IDEA!

Would you like some....

Chocolate Cheesecake

GEBURTSTAG.

I Like...

Why I hate, hate, HATE periods.

Are YOU Game?

Starry, Starry Night.

Living With Braces: Closing the Gap - Day 1

Living With Braces: Closing the Gap.

Breakfast!

Bake, bake, bake.

Post New Year

Kaleidoscope

Alright, take out your pen and paper...

Hmm.

AYU SCREAMS

Living With Braces: All I Want for Christmas is my...

Buon Compleanno!

All in a day's work.

Pick a Colour.

How was lunch?

breakfast love.

Random Facts

helloo

Still in the festive mood.

Salam Lebaran 1428H: Day 1

Ramadan: Day 30

Ramadan: Day 27

Ramadan: Day 26

Ramadan: Day 21

Can you feel the semangatness?

Feeling-feeling Raya!

Get back here!

Ramadan: Day 11

Ramadan: Day 6

Ramadan: Day 5

All I Have

Ramadan: Day 3

Ramadan: Day 2

Ramadan: Day 1

First Year

A quick one =p

Whatsup Sept?

It Ends Tonight.

Al-Fatihah.

Sigh.

I swear.

Hi

My ever so interesting mum. *updated

42!

ARGH, pretty much sums it up.

Anybody looking for MEEEEEEE??????

Overdues!!!

6 Weird Things About Me.

Tired, tired, tired!

Happy 21st Michie!

Braces n Birthdays

A Tuesday Encounter

Living With Braces: Day 29 - It's BLUE!

More photos and videos

Sunday's Simple Lunch

Wishes do come true!

Forbidden Love

Under the soft, glowing amber of...

Random Midweek Thoughts.

If it wasn't for halal issues and vanity, I will be an obese giant.

Dumpling Festival

Living With Braces: Day 9

I Feel Much Better Now.

Grumpy Frumpy Giant

Living With Braces: Day 5

Living With Braces: Day 4

My Tak Tau Malu Birthday List updated again