Someting About Solo

Lai Lai Cat and Piggy

2009-11-06T11:54:00.002+08:00

Recently my sis brought back a book for me when she is back from Shanghai. It's a handicraft book... making toys using socks. The unique part is the author is a guy. Hence, the making of toys are quite simple, there is no exact measurement to follow.
So I decided to give it a try... tata... my creation... keke... so simple, i finished 2 in one day...

Sad...You will be missed....

2009-08-04T20:49:00.002+08:00

Just received a piece of sad news 2 hrs ago... my colleague just passed away.

We have been colleague for 2.5 years, she is such a nice and jovial person. We had lots of fun and jokes together. But one day last year, she found a lump at her chest area and she decided to remove it when the pain become unbearable this year...

She was well and came back to work... but few months later, she was admitted to hospital again... her tumor grew back... this time it is cancerous...

I just visited her last Monday...and was informed that she is not coming back to work for good as she need to rest. She sent us an email... saying that she will not be coming back too work, her last day is 6th August, and that she will come back to pack her stuffs... saying that if we have to include her if we organise any KTV or outing... I promised I will... but i will never have a chance to anymore...

Rest in peace Sapurah, you will be missed....

周庄

2008-11-09T20:09:00.002+08:00

25th Oct 08

We woke up early today as my sis had arranged a car to drive us around today and the driver will be arriving at 8am.

Today we went to Zhou Zhuang, it's an old town. Its about 3 hrs drive from Shanghai, very nice place, but it's very crowded.

We had our lunch in one of the restaurant, we chose to seat at the balcony overlooking a park. We had their famous pork legs, thou it's fat but its delicious.

After going to Zhou Zhuang, we went to a supermarket and a big sport departmental store then headed home.

As we are too tired, my sis and me went our to tabao, we packed back Guiling Bee Hoon. (桂林米粉）, its delicious especially in a cool weather. take a look at the following link. Very cheap too, average RMB 8.

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:eOPwu5FQLc8J::http://i01.c.aliimg.com/blog/upload/2006/06/15/0014bc2ef7f860f07a77f459a8134e45.jpg

Trip to Shanghai

2008-11-09T20:03:00.002+08:00

24th Oct 2008

Finally, it's the day of departure. As my mum has an check up appointment and got slightly delayed in the hospital, I met her directly at the airport. It's so strange carrying 2 luggage myself.
Even the taxi driver asked if i am alone...

This is the first time on flight with my mum, 5 hrs flight is a torture to her, she keep wriggling in her seats, yawning loudly and talk loudly... haiz.... the food dun suit her taste either....
When we finally reached Shanghai, checked out, it's already 11pm, hopped on to the taxi and reached my sis hse around midnight.

Another Piece

2008-11-09T19:58:00.002+08:00

Recently brought some yarn and made a little something for my Beijing friend, Nicol.
Since i am going to Shanghai, it will be a good opportunity for me to post it, postage will be relatively cheaper. :)

This will be just nice for Autumn temperature.

Picking up Blogging again

2008-10-17T23:54:00.002+08:00

Haha, after posting the last entry, i only had one response after 10 days.

Nevertheless, thank you Joro for your support.

I am going Shanghai next Friday. I am going to re-visit the place after 2 years. This time i am bringing my mum to visit my sis.

There are many changes in Shanghai, hence i am going to explore all over again.

It has been busy for me at work for the past few months, finally everything is over, and i finally get to breathe and relax.

Shanghai, Shanghai, here i come.

Hello There

2008-10-06T23:00:00.001+08:00

Wow, my very last post is last Xmas, almost a year!

I wonder who is still checking my blog.

Do give me a tinker if u are still checking out my blog. hehe

A Warm Xmas

2007-12-24T22:38:00.000+08:00

Its a warm Xmas! Not because of the weather even thou the temperature is pretty warm today. But its because of a nice surprise i got today.

When I reached home, I saw a parcel for me, I was wondering who is it from while opening the package. It was a nice tin with my favorite animal print on it.

When I opened the tin, its filled with cranberry cookies! Wow! Its from Judy! She baked the cookies and post to me! I felt so honored! And it arrived at the very right time, on Xmas Eve!

Taking bites onto the cookies really warm my heart. Its the best cookies I ever had.

Thank you Judy!

First Time

2007-10-25T20:59:00.000+08:00

There are many first time on a nite.

This is my first outing with my colleagues. My first time to Dempsey Hill. My first time tasting Cosmopolitan. Its a good outing and chill out session.

Dempsey Hill is also a nice place to chill out. thou its a little inconvenient.

We went to one of the outlet and ordered our very first Cosmopolitan. My colleagues wanted to try this drink as she always see the actress ordered this in a show. She has been practicing ordering so it will sound more natural.

When the drinks arrived, we toasted to each other and take a slip. Hmm... its very nice and very lady.

A Cosmopolitan is a cocktail made with vodka, Triple Sec, cranberry juice, and fresh-squeezed lime juice or sweetened lime juice. Informally, it is referred to as a Cosmo.

My colleague had urged me to try Lychee Martini too. Its nice but too sweet for my taste. We toasted, cheered and bitched about the office. After a few round we decided to call it a day.

Its a good few First Time in a day.

Oktoberfest at One Rochestor

2007-10-25T19:27:00.001+08:00

Let me update someting about my Company's recent event, thou its 2 months ago.

On 31st August 2007, our decided to celebrate 3oth Anniversary in conjunction with Customers' Appreciation Nite. Since we are the German Company, we decided to do alittle different this year, we are holding our very first Oktoberfest.

As part of the committee, I am a little excited plus a little worry as this is my very first event in this company. I am having sleepless nites worrying about the weather, if everything will go smoothly, if everything is taken care of etc.

Thou there are little hiccups during planning, and during the show, overall, its quite successful, most of the guests enjoyed themselves.

We hold our Oktoberfest at One Rochestor. http://www.onerochester.com/home.htm
Its a very nice cosy place. If you want a relax and nice place to chill down, this is very good choice.

I arrived before 6.30pm and get the reception ready and make sure everyting is in place. Slowly our staffs and customers arrived. They are first served with specially made Mocktail which is blue colour which is the colour of our theme.
The colour of Oktoberfest is normally Blue and White, which is the colour of the Bavaria Flag. If you wana know more of Oktoberfest refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oktoberfest

After our MD speech, the food and drinks are served. The guests get to eat Authentic German food and free flow of Beers. Everyone start to relax in a corner and enjoy the band.

There are little games like crowning Oktoberfest King and Queen, Chicken Dance. Even our MD is enjoying himself. He is doing the Chicken Dance with our emcee.

The event is supposed to end at 10pm, but many of the staffs had enjoyed themselves and continue to drink on. Some even got drunk and vomited, most of them are half sober. After all the guests had left, I quickly sneak off around 12am because some of the colleagues planned to sabo me.

Its a tiring nite but a good one. My spirit is still high even after a shower and on my bed. After so many sleepless nite, I finally can have a good nite sleep.

Can't Log On MSN

2007-07-26T20:52:00.000+08:00

Out of the sudden I cannot log on to my msn account. It keep telling me that my user name don't exist or that my password is wrong. There is no way i can retrieve my password! Furious and frustrated! Finally give up.

Hence, if you dun see me online, pls dun get panic haha. I am still alive. I will slowly find way to add you on my list.

Meanwhile, take care my friends.

Its Been A Long Time

2007-04-17T22:40:00.000+08:00

Wow its been a long time since i updated my blog. My last entry is December, 4 months back!

There are so many happening during these 4 months.

1st is the change of lifestyle after my mum became a cancer patient, spend more time at home, to and flo hospital, healtier meals, shop for groceries, shop for vegetables, fruits etc etc

2nd switch of job, new environment, new cols, new role, no Internet, no msn, no blog omg.....torture for internet addict!

3rd got a maid, 1st time as employer, 1st time staying with a stranger. Got to let her get use to our routine and habits, got to supervise and train, got to be firm and get mad...

so many drastic changes to my life in such a short time and therefore have been neglecting this little corner of mine. Din even know that my blog has shifted to new blogger haha....

Hope I am back!

Unlucky or Blessed?

2006-12-28T14:09:00.000+08:00

Should I say I am Blessed or unlucky?

Just recovered from my eye injury, I met another accident....car accident.

My eldest sis was driving and I took the front seat, my cousin behind me and my 3rd sis behind the driver seat. When my sis is turning right at a cross junction, suddenly i saw a car coming from the left side and it come closer and faster, and "bang"! That car ram into the left side of our rented car!

My eldest sis got down to check, then some passer by sugguested we get down of the car, the door at my side was spoilt, i have to climb out from the driver's seat. Glad that everyone is alright.

As we are standing in the middle of the road, my 3rd sis complainted giddy, I sugguested we walk to the pavement when the light turn green, but before the light changed, my 3rd sis collapse onto the floor...... my eldest sis hurried to lay 3rd sis on her lap and shake her awake while i applied balm onto her forehead.

The driver of the other car called for ambulance for us and hurried it to come upon seeing my sis fainted.

When my eldest wana take the contact from the car compartment, she asked me to hold 3rd sis. I hold her till my leg numb, and finally the police and ambulance come.

Accompained her to the hospital A&E, waiting for the name to call while her husband arrived. After the pre-examined, my sis is sent for scanning. Her husband asked me to go home first as it seems a long time to wait. Not wanting my mum to get worried, I decided to go home arnd 12mn and din tell my mum what had happened.

Showered and jumped onto bed, but unable to sleep as my 3rd sis is still in the hospital and my eldest sis is in police station. Beside the accident is still so fresh in my mind........

Should i consider myself lucky as i survived a car accident or unlucky to meet the car accident????

Unlucky Day

2006-12-22T15:51:00.000+08:00

21 December 2006 is the most unlucky day in my life!

It was a raining morning, thought of having Dao Huey Jui for breakfast, so i hurried to the stall to grab before my bus come. Who knows the 2 auntie customers infront of me got alot of qn abt the breakfast the stall is selling, so they are taking a long time, I decided I shall not wait, incase my bus went off, then i'll have to wait for 20min for the next one. I can't afford to be late as I need to run office errand early in the morning that day.

When i reached the office, i saw faxes at the machine, so i cleared the faxes and refill the bin. But some how, one of the faxes fall from the bin and the corner poked into my left eye so accurate and my instance reflection is to remove it and that moment i felt a sharp pain! I quickly put eyedrop, hardly can open my eye, it keep tearing... I prayed hard that i did not cut my eye as i have a lot of things to clear in the office and had to do grocery shopping for my mum etc...

When my collegue step into the office, i went to consult the company doctor. Luckily the clinic is just 3 storey below my office. The doc examined my eye and he confirmed is paper cut and decided to send me to A&E at SGH as he is worried that I will not be able to find any doctor in case of emergency during festive season, so he said it is best for me to go for a more thorough check. He gave me a reference letter and asked me to go immediately.

Went to A&E department, and waited for quite some time before i am called. The specialist exmaine my eye and said it will heal, so long as it don't get infected, it is not very serious as the cut is not deep. Thanks God!

After collecting my eyedrops, i decided that i am still fit to take MRT back, so i went to take the feder bus to the MRT station. But the moment i reached the train station, omg, the pain is killing me, i keep tearing non stop and can hardly open my eyes... no choice, walked to the taxi stand and took a taxi back.

My mum is so shocked to see me home at this hour. I immediately dropped on to my sofa and rest, unable to open my eyes, so pain that i forgot my hunger as i have not taken my lunch. Called my sis to do the grocery shopping and pack dinner for 2 sick pple at home.

Couldn't finish my dinner cause keep tearing. Had an early nite that day....

What an unlucky day!

My Ice Cream

2006-12-07T15:23:00.000+08:00

FOSSIL FUEL!
You scored 55% SWEET, 51% CHUNKY, and 81% UNIQUE!

sweet cream ice cream with chocolate cookie pieces, fudge dinosaurs and a fudge swirl

Rock out! You are quite the unique flavor with the added touch of yummy little dinosaurs and things. You're a nice person with a bit of a wild side, and very creative. Your mind works in wondrous ways and you have no problem sharing your unique thoughts with others. You know how to have fun without being an outright nuisance. Very nice.

My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 1% on SWEET

You scored higher than 6% on CHUNKY

You scored higher than 87% on UNIQUE

Link: The Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Flavor Test written by weered1 on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

A New Forum

2006-10-20T15:55:00.000+08:00

Take a look and join this new forum

http://cutecarforum.com

Tissue Box Cover

2006-10-19T11:18:00.000+08:00

Made this Tissue Box cover for my college as Hari Raya Celebration is coming. Her theme this year is Green and Purple, so I made this colour. This is not my initial design, but there is a little hiccups during the process and it turn up to be like this.

Baby set

2006-10-19T11:13:00.000+08:00

Haha i am back to Singapore for a month, but i am so lazy to sort out the pictures. I am busy recently with knitting and crochet. I made a baby set for my friend's baby in her tummy now hehe.

JIng Ann Temple

2006-09-29T10:35:00.000+08:00

On my first weekend, I went to Jing An Temple which is just 10mins walk from my office and about 30 mins walk from the apartment. The entrance fees is RMB10. Noting much inside, some part still under reno, so took only one pic.

Jing An Temple is built in AD 247, about 1700 yrs ago, one of the oldest temple in Shanghai. It was first built along Suzhou River. Due to the land condition, it was relocated to Nanjing Road in 1216. It was turn into factory durning the Cultural Revolution and got re-instate only in 1984. It is undergoing another round of renovation since 1998 and will be completed in 2007.

Apartment in Shanghai

2006-09-29T10:16:00.000+08:00

Many friends are curious about the apartment i stayed during my Shanghai assignment. I stayed at my boss' rented apartment. It has 3 bedrooms, 1 hall, 1 kitchen, 2 toliets. It is quite a nice and cosy apartment.

I took the pics one day before i am departing shanghai, hence its abit messy as i am packing my luggage, hehe

Knitting in Shanghai

2006-09-28T10:13:00.000+08:00

Thou i am in Shanghai, i did not stop knitting.

I learn new pattern for scarf from the knitting shop where i bought my yarn. I knitted a couple scarves for the GM and his wife, for their hospitality while i am in Shanghai.

I knitted another scarf for my friend in Beijing. It is cheaper to post from Shanghai, the courier fees only cost me about S$5.

Then i also knit a baby hat and a pair of baby shoes for my Beijing friend's sister, who is delivering soon, but it was a rush so din take any pic.

View from Apartment Kitchen

2006-09-25T10:29:00.000+08:00

This is the view from the kitchen of Shanghai Apartment.

That day, the weather is turning cool and its has been raining, and the sky colour is abit orangie, so i decided to capture it.

Back From Shanghai

2006-09-19T12:02:00.000+08:00

I am back from Shanghai last Thursday.

Its a nice trip, its kind of sad when I am about to leave, 2 months passed in a blink of eyes.

Before going to Shanghai, its seems like a dream, now back from Shanghai, its seems like waking up from a dream!

I had a lot to blog about shanghai and will slowly do, so friends do keep coming back to check for updates haha.

Dumpling

2006-08-09T17:55:00.000+08:00

Went exploring around my neighbourhood, wondering what to get for dinner. Decided to try the dumpling at the small eatery beside my block. The menu is abit misleading, it wrote 1 jin RMB 6 (1 jin = 6pcs) so i tot aiya 6 pcs only where got enof, so i order 2 different type. Waited for 15mins. The waitor passed me 2 boxes, and i paid RMB12 which is about S$2.40.

When i reached home, I open the box and got a shocked, a box full of dumpling...... unable to finish, got to put one box in the fridge........ but so shiok eating the dumpling hehe.

Evening Scenery

2006-08-09T17:49:00.000+08:00

Was at home one evening and the sky look so beautiful that i decided to capture it down. With my lousy camera, this is the best i can capture, it look much more beautiful.

This is the view from my hall.

My friend said that its congested, yes indeed, cause this is Shanghai.........

Peach and Chinese Pear

2006-08-09T17:43:00.000+08:00

What i eat most in Shanghai is the Peach and Chinese Pear. My collaegues is so kind, they keep giving me Peaches and Chinese Pear. The peaches are nice so is the pear.

Sichuan Food

2006-08-09T17:31:00.000+08:00

On my first day in Shanghai, I had dinner with my sister and her colleague.

We had Sichun Food at this resturant "Ba Gou Bu Yi". There is a change face performace. 1st time watching change face so close, but still cannot see the trick.

We ordered a few dishes, all spicy.

U saw someting on the left hand side? Give u a close up.

Its slices if pork with fat hanging on a special make pole, with cucumber. The sauce is for dipping the pork......fattening ya haha

All the food are spicy and the chicken make my tougue numb..... what an experience.

Portugese

2006-08-07T23:53:00.000+08:00

Last Thursday my GM bought some Portugese Egg Tarts for me. It really taste nice, better then what we get in Singapore.

Nice Instand Noodle

2006-08-03T23:29:00.000+08:00

I was in a Jap supermarket in Shanghai, then saw this noodle, was attracted to the packaging so decided to buy one pack to try. There is 2 portion in one pack, and each cost S$2.

I add some mushrooms inside and it really taste nice.

In Shanghai

2006-07-24T21:03:00.000+08:00

Its already one week since I came to Shanghai. Not sure why, but some how its not possible to view blogspot in China. Before I come to Shanghai, my friend in China also cannot view my blog in blogspot........

Not allow to go on MSN during working hours and not able to access my own blog, its kind of frustrating. Nevertheless, I still manage to post on blogspot.......

Life here is so different........

knitted Scarf

2006-07-13T10:18:00.000+08:00

Finally finished the checkers scarf, took me so long to complete........

Take Note and Becareful!

2006-07-12T09:54:00.000+08:00

Got this email, whether its true or not, just beware.

The purpose of this email is to urge all those who are concerned about
the well being of children, to take action/precaution to protect our
children.
>
This is a heartwrenching truth about a child who was raped:
>
A friend's daughter, who is only in Primary school, was walking along
one of the road paths in the northeast area of S'pore during daytime,
when 4 Bangladeshi guys ran up to her, dragged her into a nearby
construction area and gang raped her. The poor child sustained severe
injuries - tear at the private areas and bruises all over her body (It
was said that she had 10+++ stitches or more). She was badly
traumatised and was found in a daze, with blood all over the lower part of her body.
She has not been able to speak since the incident. The parents had
appealed for the incident not to be publicised on the papers for fear
that it would cause more hurt to the child. The child is said to be
undergoing some counselling therapy.

THIS EMAIL IS NOT MEANT TO SENSATIONALISE THE INCIDENT.
>
Please do not take things for granted and let a child be alone even in
the broad day light. The children are vulnerable and they need to be
protected.
All little boys or girls need to be protected from such abuse and
brutal act.
>
For all women out there, please do take precaution for your safety too.
Do not take things for granted.
>
Kindly forward this message for the sake of the safety of the children
around us, and to whom you do care about.

Inconsiderate Act II

2006-07-11T14:56:00.000+08:00

Back to Public transport......... I really wonder if there is really ghost at the back of the bus, pple just simply cannot move it, and poor pple standing at the bus stop cannot board the bus.

I hate it even more when some idoits keep pushing from behind while boarding or alighting........just can't wait for a while, everyone is crowding up or down, what's the point pushing........

Another inconsiderate act is spitting. I really miss the Scars Period whereby everyone is so concern about hygien.........Really dun understand why some pple just like to spit, even at the lift lobby, i felt like installing a camera near the lift to find out who is the culprit then shame him in the public. Its really disgusting and unhygienic.

Beside spitting, another action that follows is blowing nose while holding one of the nostrail.... they just send their mucus on the floor and walk away, omg.......oh then some like to dig their nose in public, worst of all, after digging, they will roll the thingy with their fingers, disgussting.... after tht u nebber know where they fickle or where they stick it on to............

There are so much more and i am sick of talking about it....... yucks

Inconsiderate Acts Part I

2006-07-07T15:33:00.000+08:00

There are so many inconsiderate people hanging around, basically you will meet one everyday.

This morning we to the toliet, saw footstep mark on the toliet seats. I really dun understand, there is a squat cubicle but instead that fella chose to squat on top of the bowl......... i really wonder if she from kampong or what, black feet and squatting style.......... Furthermore she cannot be bother to clean the seat after using, so inconsiderate.

Not only the footstep on toliet bowl, some can splatter shit on the seat cover, i really wonder how that fella shit, unless her asshole is upward tilted........ and she has the cheek to leave it, expecting someone else to clean her shit, shameless.

I really dun understand why office toliet can be such a mess. All working ladies are all grown up and therefore i expect them to be ethical. But no, u can see toliet papers all over the floor and sink, sanitary pads sticking on top of the bins, water dripping all over, dirty bowl not flush. I really wonder if these people do the same to their house toliet??

Enof of toliets, I cannot stand those selfish people on the public transport. I really dun understand why pple just cannot move in to the back during rush hours, really got ghost? Some pple take up 1 seat for their grocery, i felt like asking them if they've bought the ticket for the grocery since its taking up one seat.

Worst is taking the train, when u have yet to get out of the train, they start to rush in........no common sense, if u block the way, how can pple alight and how to let u hv the seats?? Alighting the train is like fighting the war, with traps in between the platform and the train.........

No only alighting the train seems fighting war, broading also a big challeng. Some pple think they own the train, taking their own sweet time to STROLL out. After strolling out, they will stand at the door way and pose, as if they hv entered the Ms MRT train contest!

There are so much more, let me come back with part II.

Meme On Ten Things I Miss Of Mum's Cooking!

2006-06-20T09:48:00.000+08:00

I've been tagged by Bozo to blog Meme On Ten Things I Miss Of Mum's Cooking! Well my mum is typical Hokkien and she started cooking when young because she is the eldest in the family. She like to test and try when comes to cooking.

Ten dishes I love is:
1) Mee Hun Kuey ~ made of flour, knee and dough, then make into pieces and cook it in clear soup.

2) Macaroni Soup ~ I am a fan of Macaroni, so thou its a simple dish, its my favourite.

3) Fish Porriage ~ Porriage with Fish slice, soy sauce, peanuts, fried beancurd cube, ginger.

4) Lotus plus corn soup ~ Corn and Lotus is my favourite too, and i like the sweetness of the soup.

5) Fish with salted vegetables ~ I love salted vegetables and it goes very well with fish and tomatoes.

6) Vegetarian Braised Zap Chye~ With all the vegetarian ingredient such as mock meat, beancurb skin (dao ki) plus vermicelli noodle (dan hoon), mushroom, black fungus, gim zam (duno the english name) etc, braised in dark sauce.........

7) Yam abacus ~ this is a Hakka dish, my mum learned from her friend and start making. She fried it in Hokkien style. Thou its not original but its tasty.

8) Curry chicken ~ alot of people like my mum's curry chicken because its so thick and rich with coconut milk. We try to persuade her to use carnation milk instead of coconut but she insist on coconut milk....

9) Yam Cake ~ She learned this recently too. I love it because it is rich with yam and yam cube, peanuts and shrimps.

10) Bak Zhang (rice dumpling) ~ typical hokkien style, red bean bak zhang is my favourite. She is generous with the ingredient, shrimp and meat paste with lean meat, chestnut and mushroom, the rice is fried with red bean with black sauce. Each year she will make more then 20kg of rice to distribute to her sibling.

Sad to say nobody inherit my mum's cooking.........weird.......

My Stray

2006-06-13T15:58:00.000+08:00

This little sweet fella, she has been regular to our house, so I started feeding her at my door. She now has a routine. She will wait at our door early in the morning 5.30am. When my mum turn the door knob, she will start meowing. The moment we open the door, she will walk into my house and then walk out to have her food.

After eating she will lick herself and walk away for her daily adventure. She will then appear again sometimes in the evening, sometimes at night. No matter what time she appear, she is still so sweet.

She is so affectionate, whenever she meet me along the corridor, she will rub herself against me, sometime she hop alittle, lifting her front legs and rub against me...... when u are not looking at her, she will meow to get ur attention.

She is Ah Niao.......

10 habits wellness enthusiasts and health aficionados

2006-06-03T09:51:00.000+08:00

HERE are 10 habits wellness enthusiasts and health aficionados may find worth remembering.

Eat well
There is no bad food—only bad diets and, worse, bad dieters. Your regular diet should contain basic nutrients: vegetables/fruits, carbohydrates, fiber, proteins, dairy, fats. A new food guide pyramid now includes a major component—water.
The three "musts" for life are oxygen, water and food. Without these three, one faces certain death. So eat to live but, for a healthy life, eat well. Remember that five small meals a day is reco mmended for better health management. This is because three hours after a meal, the body needs to replenish, via the food we eat, energy spent.

The best diet is moderation, one that includes all your basic needs. Any diet that excludes a component may not be balanced.

Drink well
Water is life. Your body may be suffering from dehydration even as you read this. Hourly intakes of one glass of water d uring your waking hours is ideal. Drink water that is clean and safe (preferably not distilled as it may have already been stripped of minerals). If you have frequent headaches, drink glasses of water. You may just be dehydrated.

Work well
Excellence in the work environment is certainly a notable standard. Love what you do and do what you love. The best kind of job they say is one that doesn't feel like a chore. While it is good to focus on your career, always give yourself enough time for…

Play
Playtime is "letting your hair down" for a reason. And that is to balance your energies. And if, in the process, you rediscover the "child in you," so much the better. It only means you can recapture the innocence and loving nature of the child you were once (and are still childlike by nature).

Pray
Give yourself some quiet time to connect with the Divine. This can only enlarge and expand your spirit. By tapping into the immortal in you, your own sense of divinity is affirmed and strengthened.

Learn
The human mind is an almost inexhaustible powerhouse. You can teach yourself new skills, adopt new ways and expand your knowledge. You can redefine yourself at any time, any point of your life. There's no one stopping you—except yourself.

Laugh
Even if life is all about living, there is such a thing as learning from your mistakes. Or, you can simply laugh at them. Taking life too seriously can lead to stress and eventually illness. Yes, laughter is still the best medicine. It's not a worn-out cliché but a medicinal truth. When you laugh, your brain releases endorphins (feel-good hormones), flooding the body with a sense of well-being. They are also called natural painkillers. So, the next time you have a problem, have a strong dose of laughter. It will only help you feel better.

Love
Only the greatest force on earth, its by-products (the result of tapping its powers) are healing, understanding, forgiveness, perseverance, kindness, selflessness, generosity. But before you give love away, generate it first in yourself and for yourself. Remember, one must have enough love inside in order to…

Share
The best policy of all is to be generous: share your time, energy and attention. The good news about wellness is that, living by its standards of health, you can certainly derive more pleasure in life. Also, share the best of who you are with humanity. Humankind, beginning with your family, would benefit from your presence in this world.

Relax
There is a time to simply enjoy doing nothing more than relaxing. Take a break. You deserve it. Or, better yet, plan your next vacation. Relaxation aims to recharge and revive you. So, go ahead. Sit back, take a deep breath and smile.

Beware When Paying Airport Tax At Ho Chi Minh City

2006-06-01T15:44:00.000+08:00

This morning, my friend told me that her colleague had the same experience I had when I was at Ho Chi Minh Airport paying airport tax. (refer to May 04, 2006)
Her colleague's encounter is worst off as compared to me.

She reached the airport late due to the jam on the road. When she reached the counter to pay the taxes, she took out her stack of left over currencies, the counter girl sort of scretch out her hand and snatch it from her. After calculating, the counter girl only pay her back USD4. My friend's colleague was shocked! She actually has about S$700 worth of Vietnam Don, which is more then USD200 but in the end she got back only USD4! She try to confront the counter girl but that counter girl just ignore her and sort of ask her to go away! Goodness Gracious me!

My friend did pre-warn her colleqgue and told her about my experience, but because she is in a hurry when she reached the airport, she cannot recall the story. How sad! I am quite pissed off when I heard what her colleqgue had gone thru. She suffered a heavier lost then I did.

I know how she is feeling now, and there is really noting we can do, so please, everyone out there, please warn your friends who is visiting HCM, dun be the nxt victim!

Crochet HandPhone Cover

2006-05-27T09:49:00.000+08:00

As per my Cousin's request, I've made this for her.

Crochet shawl

2006-05-25T10:31:00.000+08:00

This is actually the very first thing taught in the class, but I took a long time to finish it, its altogether 6 balls of yarn, I took about 1 month to complete, haha not too hard working actually..........

My First Crochet Baby Shoes

2006-05-22T11:30:00.000+08:00

Just finished the baby shoes last friday. Not well done but so happy that i completed.

Good & Bad

2006-05-19T10:08:00.000+08:00

To do things with intention of bringing benefit to others is good, to do things to benefit ourselves is bad.

When goodness springs from within the roof of the heart, it is real goodness. When we do good just because others are doing so, it is false.

When we do good without expecting anyting in return, it is considered real goodness. When we pratice good deeds for some purpose other than to benefit others, it is false.

My First Knitting Project

2006-05-11T09:54:00.000+08:00

Joined the Knitting and Crochet class conducted at the Community Center near my place. This is my first Knitting Project. A hat and scarf. Not very well done but at least i learn how to use the knitting needle. hehe.

Pig News Update

2006-05-11T09:52:00.000+08:00

Remember about my sister's pig? Its finally washed, fresh and clean..........hehehe

Tots of New Generation

2006-05-05T16:19:00.000+08:00

Was reading a youngster's blog and got saw some new answer to old question. I find it amazing...youngster nowsday, i duno to applause or to feel sad... haha.

********************************************************************************

my parents' happiness versus mine... id take mine anyday.. call me selfish

u may say my life belongs to my parents casue they gave birth to me.. yes and if they wud wana kill me, they wud have done it b4 im born.. so wad can they do now, kill me??

********************************************************************************

Trip to Ho Chi Minh - Day 4 - Upset Day

2006-05-04T16:04:00.000+08:00

We woke up early to have breakfast then pack up our things.

We set off from our hotel at 8am as our flight is 10.35am.

When we first arrive the airport, we went to the nearest counter to pay our airport tax. Its USD14. We are allow to pay in Vietnam Don and they can pay us the remainder in USD. Since I have more then VN900,000, i decided to pay in VN and change the rest to USD despite the low rate. When i take out all the VN, the ladies over the counter keep pestering me to pass her all the money, she will count and convert for me.

She wore a pair of spect, look very decent and i trust that pple working in the airport should be honest as they represent the image of the country. Never I expected they are as corrupted. I stupidly passed all my vietnam currencies to her and she quickly take it over and count at the desk behind the counter. The counter is too high that its not possible for me to view the counting. She then place 2 stack of notes, one for payment of the tax, the other is the remainding. The remainding is only miserable stack of notes which she converted into USD10! I was stunned upon seeing the miserable USD10.

I told her I have more then that but she keep insisting that was all I gave. I asked for her name but she said " I can't give you, what for?", I told her I will go back and count my money and see if the money is correct. She then asked me how much did I give her, all I gave her is that amount.....etc, i dun wan to argue with her as i am standing in her land, I looked at her bage, her name is NG THO THI HUONG. She swollowed my VN500,000. Its alot of money and I am very sadden by this incident. She is not worth my money. I rather give it to the tour guide for him to buy more books, eat a few KFC (he love KFC but to him its expensive).

Despite the good image that tour guide is giving us, she ruin it totally! She devasted the good impression I have for the country. Just one particular person at the Airport destroyed everyting!

Anyone going Vietnam, take note of it, tell and warn your friends and families. Don't ever change the currency at the tax paying counter. There is money changer inside the airport after checking in, offering better rate!!

Trip to Ho Chi Minh - Day 3

2006-05-04T14:29:00.000+08:00

Met the Tour Guide at 8am at our hotel lobby. Today the tour is only 2 of us.

We went to Cuchi Tunnel, which is 22 miles Northwest of the city, approximately 2 hours by coach. Cuchi Tunnel is famous for its network of underground tunnels 200km long and 12m deep, created by the Viet Congs (vietnamese soldiers) during war.

They showed us a opening of the tunnel, it is so small, the tour guide keep asking me to jump in to take picture, i refused cause i scared i will be stucked and how am i going to get out......

Then we come to a place where they demo how to make rice paper, the basic food during war time. The tour guide take one for us and one for himself, he love it.

We walk further on, they showed us the trap that they set inside the tunnel incase some intruder went in, all the spikes etc. Also how they make the weapons etc. We come to an opening of a tunnel, its bigger, especially for tourist to try. From the surface its only a 5 sec walk, but under the tunnel its seems so long. The tunnel is very narrow and low, we got to walk with our body bend, its so dark that u hardly can see, luckily our tour guide lent me a mini keychain torch...by the time we come out of the tunnel, we are perspiraring and tired.

There is a longer tunnel for tourist to try but no thanks..... so we proceed to a hut, a resting place, where they served us some tea and steam tapioca.

We chatted with the tour guide while resting. He spoke quite good English and he is taking BA in English language. He already had his degree in tourism. He is not from rich family hence he is earning while studying so he worked almost 7 days a week because during the off peak time, around May and June, he will have no work and no income. Then he will go back to his campus to study more. He is very upright and hardworking man.

After the rest, we go to a resturant for our Vietnamese lunch buffet.

After lunch, we proceed to City tour. We first went to the old Saigon Post Ofice.

Opposite the Post Office, its the Notre Dame Cathedral. It is said that the statue was found crying one day and therefore alot of pple come to this church. Unfortunately its close when we are there. They have masses for the foreigner every sunday morning.

Then the tour guide decided to bring us to the Chinatown and showed us the oldest temple. Thien Hau temple built by Chinese emigrants in 8th century. There is a lot of craving on the roof of the temple which make it very unique.

We visited the American War Musemum, there are lots of pictures taken during the US war and weapon, aircraft and tanks used. The tour guide gave us an hour, and we finished within 1/2 hour.

Its time to set off to our hotel, we asked the driver to drop us at Parkson for some shopping. We shop for a while and took a cab back not knowing its just arnd the corner. We rested for a while and then set off for more shopping.

Crossing the road is a challenge, there are alot of motorbike on the road, and there isn't much traffic lights and alot dun follow the rule. I once asked the tour guide how to cross the road, he said, just close your eyes and walk...... we are so stressed while crossing. Thank goodness we are still in one pcs.

We go the the shop opposite our hotel, also a nice place to shop but prices is abit higher then the Ben Thanh Market. But at least its air condition and there is a bigger supermarket.

After shopping, we drop our bags at the hotel and set off to find some food. We look at the traffic, terrible, scary haha, more bike then evening, horning and speeding, we walk around our hotel trying to find some nice food, finally, we are ended at the Ben Thanh Market. The market is close but the stalls outside the market was set up, there are food stalls and stalls selling bags, shoes, clothes etc. We ordered a noodle, fish, rice paper wrap, 2 coconut drink, cram soup, toufu and it cost us only VN167,000 which is about S$18.40.

We are too tired to bargain so no more shopping, go thru the stressful road and went back to hotel to rest...

Trip to Ho Chi Minh - Day 2

2006-05-04T12:03:00.000+08:00

After breakfast, meet the tour guide at 7.45am their time. They r one hour behind us. We are going to the Mekong Delta today.

The traffic is very heavy, due to the Liberation day, Labour day and one extra off day, alot of people is going back to their home town from HCM. The tour guide said that the journey normally take about 2hrs but we are taking 3hrs.

A Japanese couple join us to Mekong Delta. When we reached its drizzling. We boarded the boat and each of us have a coconut.

We cruise along Mekong River. Saw the Fisherman trading their fish...

...and fish farm

Then we come to one of their village, the bee farm. We are served with honey tea and peanuts. Our tour guide pour some honey, squeeze a "kam kua", then pour in tea for us. He also pour honey inside the squeezed "kam kua" and asked us to it. It is sour, bitter and sweet.

Then we proceed to another resting place. There we are served with fruits, papaya, water melon, dragon fruits and pineapple. There are women and little girls singing the songs.

Then we have a walk in the garden, saw many fruit trees.

We come to the bank of the stream, we took the boat and cruise around the stream.

We reached Mekong River again and we stop by a slanted stairway, it lead us to a coconut candy making factory. As it is raining and the stairs are slippery, moreover its a 2 way traffic, there are pple going up and pple going down.....no hand rail to hold........ scary, adventure....

At the coconut candy factory, we saw how they make the candy.

After the tour, we have to take that thrilling staircase down again, back to the mainland and had our lunch. The lunch is Elephant Ear Fish wrapped with rice paper and vege, Prawn, pork and Fish balls with sticky rice. We got to know that the Jap couple came for honeymood and my sis treat them to the beer.

After lunch, we set off to HCM city. Bid goodbye to the couple at their hotel and then we are back to our hotel. We rested for a while and then set off for some shopping, my sis slipper give way so no choice.

We asked the receptionist and she directed us to Ben Thanh Market. It closed at 6pm and we have about 2hours. There are lots of shoes, bags, foods etc. Just like china town but a more croweded one. U got to bargain for everyting u buy. Bought some bags and shoes from there, too much things to see, we got abit blur. The market is so hot that we are shoaked with sweat.

After shopping , went back to hotel, freshen up, my sis collegue come to fetch us for dinner. He brought us to a French buffet at Sofitel Hotel. Nice dinner. He sent us back around 10pm.

Trip to Ho Chi Minh - Day 1

2006-05-04T11:43:00.000+08:00

29th April 2006, Saturday
--------------------------

My Sis and me set off to airport at 12noon. Our flight is 2.35pm Via Vietnam airline VN740.

When we reach, there is a long Q and checked in counter is not open yet, so we decided to have our lunch first. After our lunch, we went to Q again. We are advised that the flight is delayed upon checking in, it is departing at 13.35pm. The flight was then further delayed till 17.35pm and we are given S$15 food vocher at the food center upstair.

Finally went in the gate and was advised that there is a change of aircraft and hence the siting is not valid, it will be free seating......very unhappy about it, everyone is crowding at the gate prepared to rush in and grab the good seating. We are initially assigned the window seat, now we are only manage to sit at the back middle row, crap.

Arrived HCM around 19.35pm, but when we step out of the plane, we are trapped inside the passage way, not sure why the airport gate is not open, was delayed for about 15min. Clear the customs etc, we are out of the airport around 8pm, saw our tour guide holding my name, he is so happy to see us, cause they had waited for very long, imagine we are suppose to reach around 16.35pm but we arrived 4 hours later.

We are supposed to check in the hotel and go for Dinner cum magic show, but due to the delay, there is no more magic show, they sent us directly for dinner.

The dinner is at a nice place beside a river, but its too dark to see anything outside when we arrived. The cusine is kind of cute, mixture of vietnamese food and western food, not fantastic but nice enough.

After food, we proceed to our hotel, check-in and rest.

Some interestings sight in Ho Chi Minh

2006-05-04T09:39:00.000+08:00

Despite the unhappy incident at the airport, Vietnam is an interesting place to visit. There are many interesting sight.

As many can't afford a car there, their main transportation is Motor Bike. You can see 3-4 people squeeze on to a bike and they dun wear hamlet.

You can also see them carry things like sewing machine etc. The most impressive is a man carrying a fridge at the back of his bike. The fridge is leaning against his back, tied with a string to the bike, the man is raising up one of his hand to hold the string, he is riding only with one hand.....amazing.

The street is full of bikes.

Some traffic lights are not the sign of man but a cross.

Their private house is always tall and slim, 3 stories but very slim.

We experience blackout twice, one during the dinner, one during breakfast in the hotel, luckily it dun happen during shower, so I sugguest gals bring touch to bath rooms haha.

I'm Sick

2006-04-27T11:40:00.000+08:00

Was not feeling well today, I guessed must be having too much coconut and Chendol at Malacca.......greedy me....... got so much of phlegm choking me the whole nite that i cannot sleep. Thinking of my Vietnam trip this coming weekend, I think better go see doctor......

Interesting Findings in Malacca

2006-04-25T14:21:00.000+08:00

There are some interesting findings during our visit.

The Peranakan house has 2 hall. One main hall for families and relatives. Another hall next door, is to welcome guests.

There is a wall made of wood, seperating the Guest hall and the inside of the house. There are little gaps at the wall, its is for the ladies to peek thru the gap to see the guests. Ladies are not allowed in the hall. This is the way they peek their future husband as their marriage are arranged.

There is 2 stairs in the house, one from the middle hall for the master and family, another one in the kitchen for the maids.

There is cover and doors affixed to the staircase, so they can locked it to prevent theif, our tour guide jokingly said that the wives can lock their husband out of the rooms if they come back late.

The peranakan wedding grown followed either the Ching or the Ming style. They will wear a singlet that is made of bamboo, so as to prevent the sweat from dirtying the expensive grown.

There is a small peek hole on the floor of the main room. When u peek at this hole, it show the main gate of the entrance, hence u will be able to see who is visting without running down. Our tour guide joked that if u dun like the guest, u can pour urine or water down, haha.

There is an olden ice-cream maker, too bad camera is not allowed inside.

The street we are staying is a rich man street.

To know more about Malacca, visit:
http://www.melaka.gov.my/
http://www.amazingmelaka.com/

Interesting Hotel - Puri Hotel

2006-04-25T14:05:00.000+08:00

Puri Hotel, its an interesting hotel. It was the ancestral home of the descendants of Tan Kim Seng (1805-1864). He was a third generation Straits Chinese born in Malacca. He has some contribution to Singapore too. I strongly recommend to people who dun mind staying in 3 star hotel. I took some pictures.

This is the main hall.

This is the inside hall.

Look at the sign, Ying Yan Ting its mean "welcome sparrow hall"

There will be sparrow flying around this hall in the evening, even outside our room upstairs. Its amazing and fun. V is totally amazed and stand in the middle of the hall watching, haha.

If u see carefully, u can see they resting on birdnest.

They have nice garden and a historical room, telling about history of this hotel.

This is the stair way to our room.

This bldg is directly outside the hotel, not too sure what is it.

To find out more about the hotel history, rates etc, please visit http://www.hotelpuri.com/

Melacca Day 3

2006-04-24T12:29:00.000+08:00

I wake up pretty early to have my morning coffee and pack up my stuffs, have the habit of packing only before departure.

NH came to pick up us at around 9.30am, we check out the hotel and set off for breakfast. She brought us to have dim sum breakfast. The pple there are so jovial. The "bao uncle" bring the bao and scissor to our table and asked how should he divided the bao into 3, he said this is the first time he did that, haha. Had a spread of dim sum, nice.

Then we went to Tan Kim Hok shop to buy some local speacialities. Then we went to Tesco and look around, NH bought some vege to cook dinner at night, hehe, makan Peranakan food at "Ole Sayang". I wouldn't say the food is pure peranakan food and its not as good. However, the place has a nice ambience.

After lunch we went back to Mahkota Parade as we still have half an hour to spare. We walk arnd one and back to Century Mahkota to take our transport. Bid goodbye to NH.

When we boarded the bus, the driver said they are bring us to Tan Kim Hock for shopping, since we alrdy went in the morning, V and me went there for one last Chendol. It dun taste as good as the one at Jonker walk, real disappointed.

Finally, set off to Singapore..... reach home around 7plus. Tired....

Malacca Trip Day 2

2006-04-23T10:04:00.000+08:00

We wake up early enof to make it to breakfast. There is a garden outside the cafe, u can chose to have breakfast there but we chose to sit inside. There is nasi lemak, bread, saugsage, omelette etc. Teh tarik is nice and coffee is strong enof.

After breakfast, we decided to walk along the street around our hotel, there are many interesting place. The small lane beside our hotel, there are some uncles and aunties setting up stalls selling antique.

Then we visited the Baba and Nonya Peranakan Musuem - this musuem which is an actual Peranakan heritage town house and is a great example of Peranakan culture. It is located on Heeren Street (now known as Tun Cheng Lock Street). The entry fee is RM8 per person include a tour with the guide inside.

We got to see many antique and the practise of Peranakan. Its interesting.

After that, we just walk along the street. Went in some shops, bought some stuffs, one interesting shop is the Orang Utan shop. They sell t-shirts that is painted by Malaysia artist, u can't find it any where else. U may take a look at the website.
http://www.charlescham.com/Index.asp?ItemID=52

I bought some Gula Melacca, local coffee etc, then we sat down to have Chendol again and some curry puffs. The weather is too hot that we decided to go back to hotel for a quick shower. Its only an 2 hr walk but it seems so long.....

Freshen up after the shower, we decided to go Mahkota Parade for shopping. V saw Shakey's pizza and she craved for it, so we had our lunch there. Had pizza, wings, potatoes and drinks. Satisfied our stomach, we went around shopping. Bought some local delicacies. We set off back to hotel in late noon.

After taking a rest, we decided to re-vist Jonker walk again. Today is less crowded as yesterday. We went to try the famous Chicken Rice Ball. Its not as good as we expected.... but its cute, we sneakily take a pic, so malu being a tourist haha.

We bought some more stuffs and some snacks and then walk back to our hotel finally. Very tiring. Shower, blow hair dry, then doze off.....

Malacca Trip 22nd -24th April 2006 Day 1

2006-04-22T15:49:00.000+08:00

Have been planning for this trip after attending my friend's wedding in Malacca(refer to previous blog, Malacca Wedding), cause there is no time to browse around. Hence after i come back, jio another friend V, who is interested in visiting her "hometown" as she is a half Nyonya.

Set off on 22nd April at 8.30am from Golden Mile complex. We took the Super VIP coach so it is kind of comfy. Reached Malacca Central a.k.a bus terminal around 1.30pm. My friend NH came to pick us up. The weather is hot.......

We checked into Hotel Puri. It is an interesting and nice hotel. Thou it is not a posh 5* hotel, it is the most satisfactory 3* hotel. Kind of homely, clean and well maintained.

After checking in, we went to have our lunch at a very special place, Seafarer. Its at a seaside. There is a very old boat and we had our lunch on the boat. The food is nice and tasty. We had Fried slice black pepper fish, vege, mee goreng and sambal ayam. Too bad din had the pic of the boat.

After lunch we went for coconut drink at the seaside. Its very relaxing and nice. The coconut is too old.......haha, but its a nice place.

Stomarch fulfilled, went to my NH's house for a rest and use the toliet. Its a new and nice condo, the concept is alittle like Singapore condo. Its a waste that we din bring our swimming costume, otherwise I would have jump into the pool.

Enof of rest, NH brought us to Nygoya to buy textile hehe, so auntie..... then we set off to Jesco. Its pretty far...a shopping complex, bought a t-shrt from there.

Finished shopping, NH sent us back to hotel for a rest and quick wash up, while she went home to shower. NH come and pick us up for dinner together with her husband and sister in law. Her husband is very jovial and her sis-in-law is very friendly. Had a nice dinner joking and laughing. We went to a coffee house for dinner, it is delicious, especially the otah.

After dinner, they brought us to Jonker Walk. There is night market on every Fri to Sun. Its very crowded, there are stalls selling all kinds of souvenirs, accessories, food, toys, pets, etc etc. At the side of the walk, the shops and coffee houses are open too. There are some houses which is some dialect clans' club, there are ktv singing, dancing etc, very interesting. At the end of the walk there is a stage for the old folk to sing and at the other end of the walk, there is pple selling plaster. Very happening and interesting place. Its a must go place if you ever visit Malacca. After walking, we sat down and have Chendol, its sedup! It taste so different from Singapore. The gula malacca is very tasty.

Its getting late and we decided to go back to rest. The stupidest thing is that our hotel is just nearby but we are blur enof to let NH husband drive a big round to send us back to hotel, cause its a one way traffic........

My First Artwork of Parchment Craft

2006-04-18T14:25:00.000+08:00

This is my first project of Parchment Craft. I gave it to a friend in Beijing for her birthday. This is my try, so it is not well done but will continue to try it out. Its fun!

The Fate of My Sis Piglet.

2006-04-18T14:19:00.000+08:00

One day when i got back from work, I saw someting that make me giggle (as shown on the picture). My sis just got married and moved out. Now she has husband, she ditched her little piglet at home.............so this is the fate of Little Piglet.............

Rain's MV

2006-04-17T09:27:00.000+08:00

This young fella is very attractive......... Rain...........Korean.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgbXd2s9_7g

2006-04-11T13:41:00.000+08:00

This is a personality test. Pick your answers instinctively. There are no right or wrong answers.

A car is about to go through a tunnel. Imagine that you are driving this car. What will want to see after you come out of the tunnel?
A. Ocean
B. Snow Landscape
C. Small Town
D. Mountains
E. More Tunnels

Pick an answer and scroll down to see what your answer says about you!

A. Ocean You tend to spend money rather than save. When you see something you want, you will buy it without thinking it through. You have a good sense of your needs vs. wants, but because of your showy nature, you frequently end up buying something that is more expensive than you need!

B. Snow Landscape You are a romantic and a dreamer. You often feel the need to save money,but you are quite forgetful and have a tendency of losing your wallet and valuables. Instead of wasting energy on trying to make a fortune, you should be really focusing on money management.

C.Small Town You are a clear headed introvert. You know the importance and value of saving money and will continue to do so throughout your life. You are never wasteful, and therefore leisure activites are never a high priority. Because of your conservatism, sometimes you miss out on money making opportunities. Don't forget you need to risk some money to make even more money!

D. Mountains You are good at saving money. Although you don't like cutting expenses, you always seems to have a chunk of money ready for use. You also know how to spend money. You have the nerve to spend a large amount of money, if it's neccesary.
E. More Tunnels You have a strong sense of money and talent in making money. You will risk some money for the chance to earn a big reward. You may become rich through the stock market or the lottery. In the meantime, your spending won't be small, and if you try to save money, you can be very well off.

Boring Sat in The Office

2006-04-08T11:55:00.000+08:00

Harrrrhhhhhh *yawn* ................ another boring Sat in the office. Very sleepy as I watched DVD till late nite and wake up early in the morning to get ready...............

Am now blogging in the office, cause I'm so bored.............. I've finished reading all my emails, from hotmail to yahoo to company emails............... read friend's blog...............read forum page.......... its so aimless and restless....................

Another hour to go............... going to make Milo....................

Long Skirt Ladies, Becareful!

2006-03-30T15:36:00.000+08:00

Last evening, I met a group of friends and one of them is wearing a nice green long skirt. After dinner, we decided to go Basement 1 to have a drink, so we took the escalator.

Suddenly my friend make some weird noise, then i realised her skirt was stuck in between the gap of escalator. We tried to pull it out but failed. One of the guy went to press the emergency button to stop the escalator. Then my poor friend, still having her skirt stuck has to squat down while her sister is holding her hand. That guy made fun saying they looking like proposing couples, hahaha.

Not long, the escalator maintanence guy came. He said we have to snap off the skirt cause its dangerous to release the skirt by making the escalator move the other way round. So no choice, my friend's sister snapped it off ........ that's the end of the skirt............ my friend's skirt has become one side long, one side short.............

Poor her, she is embarrassed, she hurried us to leave the place........ ah joy oh poor joy.........

Sunday Adventure - Lower Pierce Reservoir

2006-03-28T10:58:00.000+08:00

We felt that we need some workout, so we decided to go to different parks in Singapore.

This morning our destination is Lower Pierce Reservoir. This is my first time there. Its a nice place. Its clean and green and spacious. Its very peaceful too. We decided to take the natural trail.

The Lower Peirce Trail is a 900m boardwalk that takes you through mature secondary forest. This forest forms part of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and covers an area of about 2,000 hectares. Many of the trees you see around you are over a hundred years old. These trees were once cleared for the cultivation of rubber in the 1930s. Natural regeneration over the years has seen some of the original forest species recolonising, but it would take hundreds of years for the richness of a primary forest to form again. Interpretative signboards along the boardwalk reveal the mysteries of nature and allow for a self-guided tour along the fringes of the Lower Peirce forest.

Its such a nice place, i definitely wana go back again and this time with my camera.

After the walk, we went to have Roti Prata. 2 plain prata with hot teh talik, what more should we ask for in life, haha. Nice and relax Sunday morning. Looking forward to our next walk.

Beautiful Morning

2006-03-25T09:27:00.000+08:00

This morning when i look out of the window, someting caught my eyes. I immediately fetch my camera and start snapping. The tree is blooming with beautiful pink flowers. Its a pity that my lousy photography skill didn't bring out the actual view.

Its really enjoyable looking at it but i need to rush to work. Neverthless, its really a good start for the day. Shall try to take the pic again tomolo.

Barbarian

2006-03-24T08:58:00.000+08:00

My friend emailed this to me, she cry upon seeing it. I am upset when seeing it. This is the most barbaric act!

Beware!

2006-03-14T15:17:00.000+08:00

Got this email from a friend........

This happen in a remote part of KL.Today after office hours, I heard from my sister-in-law that there is anew way to rape women. It happened to one of our good friends.

The girl left the office after working hours and saw a little child crying on the road. Feeling pity for the child, she went and askwhat happened. The child said, "I am lost. Can you take me homeplease?" Then the child gave her a slip and tell the girl where the address is. And the girl, being an average kind person, didn't suspect anything and took the child there.

And there when it arrived the "child's home", she pressed the doorbell, yet she was shocked as it the bell was wired with high voltage, And fainted. The next day when she woke up, she found herself in an empty house up in the hills, naked. Condoms were all thrown around with semens flowing.There were at least about 20 condoms!She has not even seen her assailant.

That's why nowadays crimes are targeted on kind people like us.Next time if the same situation occurs, never bring the child to theintended place. If the child insist, then bring the child to the policestation. Lost child are best to send to police stations.Please send this to all your female friends.

Problem with sending bulky mail?

2006-03-11T11:28:00.000+08:00

Do you have problem sending large file such as images? I have a solution for you.

Log on to http://www.attach2mail.com/

Try it.

Ayam Penyet RIA

2006-03-09T14:19:00.000+08:00

Tomlo is my collegue's last day in this company. I decided to give him a treat as tomolo he need to go for sembahyang.

We went for Ayam Penyet at Lucky Plaza. I like the name, its cute, Penyet means smash, so it is chicken smash. It come in a set, Ayam Penyet, Tao Kwa, Tempeh, kangkong, cabbage, cucumber and sampal chilli. The chicken is fried till crispy and tasty. Moreover its smash so its pretty easy to eat, with the sambal, oh mine, SEDAP!!

As I had tried Ayam Penyet last time, this time I ordered Pecel Lele. Instead of ayam, it is fried catfish. It tasted good. The fish is fried till crispy and tasty, it goes well with the sambal, licking finger good! Thumbs up!

Its always crowded, there will be long q at nite or on Saturday.

I've tried this in Batam, the portion is bigger and cheaper! Beside Ayam Penyet, I ordered soto ayam, its also very nice too. Its almost half of the price in Singapore.

Yummy Yummy, now i am feeling full and satisfied.

Visit their website and start drooling, haha
http://www.ayampenyet.com/index.php

Have a tasty curry puff while doing Charity

2006-03-08T09:02:00.000+08:00

Dear Frens,

Knights Charity's Supporting Merchant, Richie's Puffs Pte Ltd has pledged a donation of 10% for all catering orders made through Knights.

Richie's Puffs offers huge, delicious, handmade puffs in the following flavours:
- Curry Chicken with Egg - Sardine with Egg - Sweet Yam - Vegetarian

The original retail price at their stall is $1.20 each but if the bulk orders (min 30pcs) are made through Knights, each pc will go for $1!

Check out this website (http://www.knights.org.sg/supportin-merchants.php) for more info!

The puffs are real value for money for its addictive taste, generous fillings and huge size that is twice that of normal puffs!

Contact us to place an order today! We welcome all orders be it corporate or private. Call 68495423 or 68495462

King's Ice Cream Sale

2006-03-08T08:56:00.000+08:00

The Coolest Sale You've Been Waiting For Is Here!

Extended Sale Period: 10 - 12 March 2006 (Fri - Sun)

Special Highlights:
1. Best Buy!
- Wafer Ice Cream @ $0.20 only! (Normal Price: $0.70)
- Spinner cones @ $0.60 only! (Normal Price: $1.40)

2. New Products:
- Ol?Ice Cream Donut @ Buy 1 Get 1 FREE!
- Neapolitan Bar @ Buy 1 Get 1 FREE!

3. Back by Popular Demand!
- King's Ice Cream Cake @ $5/box (Normal Price: $6.95/box)

That's Not All!
* FREE King's Cool Club Membership with min. $50 spending!
* FREE Gifts Galore!!!!
* Chance to win more prizes @ our Game Booth!!!

Indian Coffee

2006-03-07T11:09:00.000+08:00

This morning while making coffee, I suddenly think of the coffee my Indian friend made for me when i was at her house.

When i was at her house, i requested for a coffee cause i missed my noon time coffee. Then she asked if i would like indian coffee. I said i dun mind but minus the sugar.

She then put fresh milk to boil, add in coffee powder, let it boil again and served. No water or other ingredient is added. Of course normally they will add alot of sugar but i requested no sugar for me.

The coffee taste nice. It's coffee with rich milk taste, very fulfilling taste. Will ask her to make for me again nxt time.

2006-03-06T15:49:00.000+08:00

Saw these wordings on my friend's blog, like it very much and so i copied it.

世界疯狂，那又怎样，
你还是可以过着有意义的生活，
你若不想做，就会有一个借口，
你若想做，就会有一个方法。
在希望之中就有方向，
在行动之中就有力量。

for the benefit of those duno chinese, let me translate.
So what if the world is crazy
you still can have a meaningful life
if you dun wish to do, you'll have an excuse
if you wish to do, there will be a way
hopes will show you the direction
action will show you the power.

A Message for All Ladies Out There

2006-03-06T10:57:00.000+08:00

To all the ladies, my beloved ladies friends,

I hope, wish and beg you gals to take care of yourself and take note of your own body.

This morning I got a call from my friend. She has lump in her breast for quite sometime but she ignore it as it is not painful and she just hope it will disappear by miracle.... It is only recently when she feel the pain then she went for check up. Even the moment before check up, she is still wondering should she go for the check up. The doctor told her that she has lump in both breast and hence the doc asked her to go for opt on Thursday.

She said the moment the doc told her about the opt, she cried. When she called me, she cried. But dear, wht's the point of crying now??? U shld have taken care of yourself, we are all adults and are responsible for our own health.......wht's the point of asking, "why me?"

There are many causes and type of breast lump and eighty percent of breast lumps are benign i.e. not cancerous. Benign breast lumps usually have smooth edges and can be moved slightly when you push against them. However, it should be checked by a doctor to make sure the lump is benign. The doctor will confirm:
The presence of the lump
The size, shape, contour, mobility and sensitivity of the lump
Presence or absence of other lumps
A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly or inflamed)
Bloody or clear fluid discharge from the nipples
Any lumps in the armpits

For details, visit http://www.alife.org.sg/en_breast_lumps.php

However, Breast Cancer is also very common and there is an raising trend. Up to 20% of all cancers diagnosed in women are breast cancers. Between 1993 and 1997, about 3,574 women were diagnosed to have breast cancer in Singapore.

For more information about breast cancer, visit http://www.nccs.com.sg/cedu/pt_04_5c.htm

What I wana stress here is, please do not continue to be ignorance and hope miracle will happen. When your body feel pain or uncomfortable, it might be a signal send by the body to the brain saying someting is not right. Please consult the doctor at once.

And if the worst has happen, be strong, be brave and be a warrior, fight against it. When there is a will, there is a way. Its really not going to help sitting there crying. Please Help your loves ones by helping yourself!

Nevertheless, I sincerely hope and pray that my friend is alright.

The Hong Kong Food House

2006-03-04T12:22:00.000+08:00

I miss the food from there, I miss its Steam Rice.

My favourite is the Chicken Rice with BBQ sauce and Chicken Rice with preserved vege. The chicken is on top of the rice and it is steam till the meat is soft and melt in your mouth. With additional sauce, the rice is yummy and tasty.

I used to went there to eat when it is located at Far East Plaza. My friend will come down over the weekend, all the way from Jurong just for the Rice! Her favourite is Minced Pork Rice with salted egg.

Not only the rice is delicious, the lemon tea and teh su su is nice. The real hongkong style where you will find many slices of lemon in the drink. Sometimes they have home made barley, its good if you are too heaty.

Most of all, the price is reasonable and food is delicious! Yummy, Yummy.

However, they have shifted. I search so hard thru the net and finally got the address:
The Hong Kong Food House
Blk 304 Ubi Ave 1, #01-115

Take a look at this web : http://www.sbestfood.com/hongkongfoodhouse.htm

I've yet been to the new address, too far for me, anyone know how to go??

2006-03-02T11:08:00.000+08:00

Q: Why are there so many Sikh money-changers in Singapore?
A: Because they like to deal in Sing dollars.

Q: Why do Sikhs make good shopkeepers?
A: Because when you enter their shop to buy something, you are the buyer .... which makes them the Buyee.

Q: What do you call a Bhai who wants to make a U-turn?
A: Ke belakang-pu Singh.

Q: What do you call a Bhai who drinks only beer?
A: Jasbir Singh.

Q: What is the study of young bhais?
A: Micro-bhailogy.

Q: Where to find a Bhai doctor?
A: At TanTock Singh!

Q: What do you call a Bhai who comes to visit you every three days?
A: Sarjit Singh!

Q: What is the official mode of transport for Bhais?
A: Bhai-cycles!

Q: What heart surgery procedure did Mr Singh undergo?
A: Bhai-pass.

Q: What is the study of Sikhs called?
A: Bhai-ology

Q : Which country is named after a Bhai ?
A: Singh-apore.

Q: What do you call a Bhai in a dilemma?
A: Kepala-pusingh.

Just Passing Through -A Sikh was on his way to Khalsa Club when he decided to take a short-cut through somebody's garden. The Owner comes out angrily shouting: Hey, you are trespassing? Sikh answered: Oh No...., I'm Jaspar Singh.

Doctor Ng's advice - soya bean drink

2006-03-02T10:08:00.000+08:00

Got this email from a friend, not sure who is Dr Ng........

All of us know that Soya Bean drink provides good protein to our body
but many of us do not know that there are certain days we should avoid on
the drink.

Soya-Bean drinks are best consumed on hot sunny days where the sun is
burning and glaring. The Soya milk gives lots of nutrients to the body,
as the body is able to absorb the protein well.

However, avoid the drink when the weather is cloudy or raining.Taking
the drink in this weather, the body will not be able to take in the protein
thus will result in a disease called GOUT OR HIGH ACIDIC URINE due to
the high protein residue in the body, after a long run.

This disease will cause pain to your knee joints and it will only be in
control when you control your food intake of proteins and
medications.The pain is unbearable and usually you will have no idea what you have taken to cause the pain. Food like Soya Beans, Ikan Billis, Peanuts, All type of
Nuts & Beans and Animal organs (i.e: pork liver) etc will have to be
avoided to prevent the pain from attacking.

So my friends pass this to your family, relatives and friends to keep an
alert of the pros and cons of Soya-Bean milk and when it is to be taken
and avoided.

40 days after Punjabi wedding

2006-03-01T10:37:00.000+08:00

Today is 40th days of my Punjabi friend's wedding. Today is the day where she can take out her wedding bangles, 15 red and ivory bangles on each hand, she can wait to take them off, haha.

Her husband's sister, ie her sis-in law should take out the bangles for her, however, all of them are in Ipoh and hence my friend asked me to be her husband's acting sister.

Reached her place around 5.45pm. They had just finished cooking dinner for us. Her parents reached her place around 6.15pm and we started the ceremony.

First, my friend's father do a prayer, use joss stick to go round the bangles on her hand, then I started taking out the bangles from both her hands. After taking out her wedding bangles, I put on a new set of bangles for her. The Wedding bangles are to be kept, it cannot use again or give to others. Her father and husband then gave me ang pow as blessing.

Then we decided to have our dinner, my friend took out the plate then suddenly she realise she has not cook rice, haha, we all laugh our head off, we are her first dine-in guests and she forgotten to cook rice. Hence we have fruits and chocolate while waiting for the rice to cook.

Once the rice is cook, dinner is serve, Dalh, sambal ikan bilis, fried brocoli. We talk and joke about "yes ah?"..... its a common term used by her husband and his family.... instead of "is that so?" they will use "yes ah?" hahaha....

After all the joke and dinner, we made a move around 9pm as the couples refuse to eat till we left. We bid goodbye and depart.

Resignation

2006-02-28T11:27:00.000+08:00

Today, I hand in my resignation letter.

I came early in the morning, typing the letter, haha, copied here and there from my friends and ex-collegues.

Around 4pm, the driver came to pick up document for the bosses to sign, I put the letter into the folder.

I am so glad that finally i made this move. Its been long time since i wanted to do that. I had waited for 5 years and at last, Enof is Enof, I am leaving!

Yeah yeah!

Cancer Prevention

2006-02-27T13:43:00.000+08:00

Here's some very useful and important information about cancer prevention:

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion.When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.

3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumours.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has mult iple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly NORMAL CELLS.

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumour size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumour destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infe ctions and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it need to multiply.

a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses but only in very small amounts.

b. Milk causes t he body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soya milk cancer cells are being starved. Milo, Ovaltine, Horlicks are made with milk and best avoided.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones, parasites, etc which are all harmful to people with cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits helps put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells.

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrefied and leads to more toxic buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc) to enable the body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements (Maitake e.g .) are known to cause cancer cells apoptosis, that is, induce cancer cells to commit.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax, enjoy and trust God for healing.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.

17. Cancer can be reversed with nutrition, supplements and clinically proven complementary and alternative therapies.

18. Cancer can be healed by divine intervention of God the Healer.....

SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT INFO:

1. Sugar is a cancer feeder. Avoid sugar. Sugar substitutes like Equal, Spoonful, NutraSweet are made with Aspartame, a chemical that is harmful to the body. A better natural alternative is Manuka honey in small amounts.

2. Milk causes the body to produce mucus. Cancer thrives on mucus. A better calcium alternative is unsweetened soya milk.

3. Green tea has anti-cancer properties. It is a better substitute for coffee and tea, which have caffeine, bad for people with cancer.

4. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in colour. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.

5. Meat like pork, beef, chicken contain livestock antibiotics, growth hormones, parasites, etc which are all harmful for people with cancer. It is better to eat fish, or eat a little free-range chicken. Meat protein is difficult to digest a nd requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrefied and leads to more toxic build up.

6. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

7. Water - best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

8. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).

A little effort at our part will yield great return in the long run... keep up the discipline and enjoy every single movement in life.

Scrabble

2006-02-24T13:45:00.000+08:00

This has got to be one of the cleverest E-mails I've received in awhile.
Someone out there either has too much spare time or is deadly at Scrabble.
(Wait till you see the last one)!

DORMITORY:
When you rearrange the letters:
DIRTY ROOM

PRESBYTERIAN:
When you rearrange the letters:
BEST IN PRAYER

ASTRONOMER:
When you rearrange the letters:
MOON STARER

DESPERATION:
When you rearrange the letters:
A ROPE ENDS IT

THE EYES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THEY SEE

GEORGE BUSH:
When you rearrange the letters:
HE BUGS GORE

THE MORSE CODE:
When you rearrange the letters:
HERE COME DOTS

SLOT MACHINES:
When you rearrange the letters:
CASH LOST IN ME

ANIMOSITY:
When you rearrange the letters:
IS NO AMITY

ELECTION RESULTS:
When you rearrange the letters:
LIES - LET'S RECOUNT

SNOOZE ALARMS:
When you rearrange the letters:
ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S

A DECIMAL POINT:
When you rearrange the letters:
IM A DOT IN PLACE

THE EARTHQUAKES:
When you rearrange the letters:
THAT QUEER SHAKE

ELEVEN PLUS TWO:
When you rearrange the letters:
TWELVE PLUS ONE

AND FOR THE GRAND FINALE:

MOTHER-IN-LAW:
When you rearrange the letters:
WOMAN HITLER

Loreal Sales is here again

2006-02-20T12:20:00.000+08:00

Malacca Wedding Part 2

2006-02-20T11:35:00.000+08:00

19th Feburary 2006, Sunday

Woke up about 8.30am, had shower and packed our bags. All of us met at 9.30am for breakfast.

We went over to Melacca Parade for Mac breakfast, they din hv the breakfast menu like ours. I had MacChicken. After breakfast when for a quick shopping and met the guys around 11.30am to go back to the hotel.

We quickly pack up our things again and go them at the lobby. They arranged the transport, we followed one of the car back to Singapore. When we are ready to go, the bride called and said she wana meet us, asked to wait for her. After a while she arrived with her husband.

She look normal again, not yesterday the geogerous bride but the pretty kind lady. Chatted for a while and bid goodbye to the couples.

We set off our journey to Singapore. Reached home about 4.30pm. Thanks to Boon Yi and Michelle (hope i spelled their name correctly). Had a nice trip back, playing with their ger ger and listening to the ger's grandma talking abt her, hehe, cute.

Looking forward to nxt trip to Malacca cause din get to go around, seems to be nice place.

Malacca Wedding Part I

2006-02-20T08:52:00.000+08:00

18th February 2006, Saturday

Met BL, Ricky & his wife at Lavender at 8am. We proceed to the bus terminal, its a 15mins walk from Lavender MRT station. The bus depart at exactly at 8.30am. There is a little jam at Malaysia custom and after that its a smooth Journey.

We reached Malacca Central/bus terminal at 1.30pm. We went to get Ricky's return tickets to Singapore as it is cheaper to get it from Melacca. We took a cab to Melacca Parade, its a up to date shopping center. We went to have lunch at the food court with a big group of pple who are attending the wedding dinner tonite.

After lunch we check into the hotel, Century Mahkota Hotel which is just opp Melacca Parade. It is more like a charlet, we stayed in a 2 bedrooms apartment with Ricky and his wife. Thanks Ricky and wife for the arrangements and popian and free stay. We stayed in Sunflower block with is overlooking the sea. Our apartment is a bit run dwn, our shower ralling is spoiled and hence the shower curtain cannot close properly, wet wet wet...........

The moment i checked in, i called the housekeeping for an iron cause my dress is so crumpled, however, they dun iron for loan, they have an ironing center where u hv to bring your clothes there and iron yourself............ left with no choice, asked BL to accompanied me and we went to the ironing center. The ironing center is nxt block, its a small room with a few ironing board with irons........... old and torn boards........... no choice................ quickly iron my dress.

Everyone met at the lobby at 6.30pm, some of them drove so we tag along. We reached the place about 7.15pm. Its a school halls, there are 60 tables and its air conditioned. There are lion dance at the entrance to welcome the guests. We are so suprised to see that its almost full when we arrived, cause for singapore dinner, we dun see pple till 8pm. The stage is nicely decorated with a big "XI" wordings, the hall is decorated with balloons where the kids all go crazy.

The lion dance continue till the door is closed. We are first shown the video clips of the couples. Then the arrival of the couples.......... go onto the stage and cut cake. The first cold dish then served. Then there is lion dance performance.

After a few dishes, the couples re-entered again. The campaign opening and toasting started. Followed by award giving as the groom's father donated money to the school, he was awarded a gold plate. Then followed by kissing show of the couples, then singing with a group of friends. After that there are singing by the entertainers and KTV sessions for the guests................ an indian sang Hokkien songs, "jiu kok ying hiong" haha, then some Indonesians sang faster then the tune , very entertaining............

Its a very interesting wedding that I've ever attended. There are people coming in to sell big sweep, then newspaper, so my friend's collegue asked so what are they going to sell next, so I said they will sell kachang, true enof, a little girl came in and sell biscuits, both of us laughted upon seeing it.

Its a sumptous dinner , there are cold dish, shark's fins, roast piglet, abolone, sea cucumber, fish, prawn, tarts, ondei ondie, white fugus with longan....... During our dinner, the resturant manager came to us and told us this abolone is very good grade, it is 360 dollars, its from mexico and its imported from Singapore and no other resturant have this........... we wonder why he told us all this then we realised we are the only table which is still hving the abolone while the rest of the tables are cleared, haha.

Finally it ended at 10.30pm. Bid goodbye to the couples, so happy for the couple, they look so matching. Their wedding pics are wonderful, happiness can be seen on their faces. May they live Happily Ever After.

Reached hotel around 11plus, quick shower and went to dream land.................

My Life Path Number is 8

2006-02-20T08:50:00.000+08:00

Your Life Path Number is 8

Your purpose in life is to help others succeed
You are both a natural leader and a natural success. You are also a great judge of character.You have a head for business and finance. You know how to make money.A great visionary, you can see gold where other people see nothing.
In love, you are very generous - with gifts, time, and guidance.
You love to inspire people, but it can be frustrating when they don't understand your vision.Great success comes easily for you. But so does great failure, as you are very reckless.You are confident, and sometimes this confidence borders on arrogance.

What Is Your Life Path Number?

CNY greeting from 77330

2006-02-17T08:58:00.000+08:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know of a mobile phone scam that's been going round lately in Singapore.

If you're a M1 or Singtel subscriber, there might have been recent charges to your account which may have been faked. Subscribers who have received SMS greetings over the recent Chinese New Year period from the short number 77330 will have been charged $1 per greeting.

The service is from a company called mTouche ( www.mtouche.com ), and the charge would have been levied even if you've not subscribed to their greeting service. mTouche has been fined by IDA ( www.ida.gov.sg ) in the past for the same offence but they seem to be doing it again. Imagine the amount of $$$ earned shd there be 1 handphone for each of the 4 million in population.

Do check your recent statements carefully. So far it seems only M1 and Singtel customers are experiencing this problem but subscribers to other networks should review their statements just to make sure. The best thing you can do if you've received these extra charges is to send a complain to IDA at info@ida.gov.sg . Don't bother calling mTouche as they've disconnected their phone lines as of this morning. The telcos claim they are unable to do anything about charges levied by a third party. Please spread the word around.

Dated 14 Feb 2006

My Sister's Wedding

2006-02-11T09:19:00.000+08:00

Woke up extremely early today at 5.20am to have my breakfast and started to paint my nails.

My uncle and auntie arrived at 6am to light the candles. Around 6.45am the make up artist arrived and started to make up for my sis. My eldest sis went to fetch my cousins, one will act as door boy, 2 others will join me as the sister gang.

My sister had her make up ready by 7.30am while my cousins arrived. The sister gang started to think of ways to block the door and to make fun of the groom and the brother gang.

8am the groom arrive, the door boy went to open door, but the groom did not come up with the door boy as they are still waiting for some brothers to arrive....... the sisters gang are waiting impatiently, finally 8.30am they arrived at our doors.

We start our bargaining and breakfast treat, milo with egg, sugar cracker with pickles and wasahbi, seaweed with oyster suace, got some ang pows with mixture of ringgit and sing dollar, finally let them in.

We sister gangs, each guarded a bedroom door, let the groom guess the room and collect ang pow before opening the door. 2 brothers came to my door and force open, i am struggling with 2 big men and got myself hurt, till now the wound is still not heal!!! Mad mad mad!!! All gone crazy.

Managed to get 2 ang pows for 2 other doors. Finally the groom met the bride, lift up the veil, kiss the bride and there we are ready to set off. We headed to the couple's new house. The sisters and brothers gang are puzzled why do we come to their house instead of the groom's house first.......... and the door boy open the car door here........ weird arrangement...... climbed up the stair 5 storey high, everyone complaining haha, lack of exercise......

Rest at their house, look at the pic and then proceed to Bukit Gombak for some pictures taken. Then we proceed to the Groom's house. Rest, lunch, tea ceremony started and ended. All the brother gangs are gone...... weird.......

Finally its time back home. The groom's brother drowve, the groom's bro-in-law as photographer followed us. The couples went back to their house to change. First time as sister gangs dun need to follow the couples, weird.........

Reached home, was blamed why din we followed the bride...... while actually they made arrangement for us not to followed.......ai.......nebber mind......after a while the couples arrived, they has not changed!!??? They forgotten to bring the keys......omg.......my eldest sis making noise saying the bride shld hv changed bla bla bla, finally decided to wear my dress, luckily i was once slim......haha......no choice, settled with a plain simple dress.

Lunch at our place startd followed by tea ceremony. Then finally everyone is cleared from the house arnd 4pm......dogged tired, lay on the sofa for a while before getting ready to go for dinner.

5.30pm.........so reluctant to get up.....finally got showered and dressed up. Wake my eldest sis up as she is dozing off on the sofa too, then waited for my mum to get ready, we are suppose to be at the place at 6.15 for my mum's make up but then we set off only at 6.15pm, late late late.

6.45pm finally reached. Brought my mum up to the dressing room for make up, the bride is making up half way. Went up to the dinner place to sit down while the guests start coming in.

Dinner started as usual around 8pm. Grandma is not feeling well, went to toliet vomitted and diaheara...... the place is not good either, there is one and only ladies toliet cubicle on that level, always long q, its the same on every level while there are so many other functions going on, weird......

Finally dinner ended at 11pm. Guests going off, naughty cousin asked why the couples waved good bye and not shaking hands, haha, duno man..........

Home sweet home, tired tired tired......

All the best to the couple and may they live happily ever after.........wish to have a little nephew or niece soon, haha

Chinese New Year

2006-01-27T11:19:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow is Chinese New Year Eve.

Time really flies, so fast. I din have to prepare, moreover down with flu....... :(

Punjabi Wedding Part XI - Departure

2006-01-23T11:04:00.000+08:00

22nd Febuary, Monday

We woke up early this morning to pack and get ready to set off. Our coach back to Singapore is at 10.30am so we got to be there around 10am. After we've packed, we went for breakfast at 8am. B felt like paying a visit to her friend's father, so we decided to rush our breakfast, go for a short visit as the hospital is nearby, and be back by 10am to check out.

We took a cab to the hospital. Its Ipoh General Hospital. It a old hospital........ we are stopped infront of a gate, its the entrance to the lift lobby. The guard said only one at a time and got to register at the counter. We are amazed at the moment, we keep explaining we are rushing back to singapore but they just refuse to let us go. No choice, we asked B to go up alone while J and me waited downstair.

A while later, B came down with her friend's mother, she felf bad letting us wait downstair. She gave us a big hug and chatted for a while. Nice old lady. She made us felt so welcome and warmed our hearts. After a short while, we got to go. B sent her friend's mum up again and after that we took a cab and return to the hotel.

We quickly grab our luggages and check out of the hotel. The same taxi uncle who drove us to the hospital, drove us to the bus terminal. We are suprise to see the couples with the groom's sister. They just sent off their sister and decided to wait for us.

The groom's mum bought us some kuey to eat on the journey. J gave them a sachet of the 2 in 1 Ipoh coffee each to try, we chatted a while then bus came.

We boarded the bus and can't wait to return to our own nest. On the way there is many nice scenery but too bad we dun hv chance to roam around. Maybe nxt time. Bye Ipoh.

Punjabi Wedding Part X - Ipoh Temple

2006-01-22T12:58:00.000+08:00

22nd January 2006, Sunday

J waked up first, get ready, followed by me and then BB.

We went down for breakfast around 8am as we has to be at the temple at 10am. We had a quick breakfast. Then the bride's brother and sister family came down for breakfast, naughty small boy is being naughty, cry for not giving him the knife to play etc.........3 of us make a move first as we need to dress up in punjabi suite.

After we've changed, we waited for the rest to come down while calling for cab. We a little problem with the taxi drivers because they do not know the Sikh temple at Menglembu, as the address is written in English. One of the cab driver seems to know so he took the lead. He stop at a Hindu Temple, wrong wrong wrong, our driver take the lead this time.

Finally we reached the temple. It is in the middle of some Factory. It is a little hut, the kampong type with high legs (pillar). We got to take out our shoes and go up to the temple by the little staircase. Luckily the prayer just started. We pay our respect to the holy book and sit down, as usual ladies on the left and guys on the right.

After the prayer is done, the bride niece do some prayer singing............. Wahe guru ji, Wahe guru ji................ when everyting is done, we were given a sweet thing to eat. Then we proceed under the hut for lunch. J couldn't find her shoes, someone wore her shoes, after a search, her shoes is far away, wonder who wore her slipper...........

We proceed to the buffet spread under the hut, I had some Puri and vege. We are given ice plain water. After our lunch, we decided to take a small walk around, its like a kampong area. We came to the house of the groom's uncle jus behind the temple. He invited us in. He is a nice man, very old, with a caring heart. He bought 2 Tiger biscuit and some sweets for us during the journey to Ipoh. Its not a big house but its very cooling and comfy. His wife is lying on a old punjabi bed that is made of strings which will not caused backached. She is blinded and hardly move, making a bit of noise occassionally. She must be wanting to congratulate the bride and wanting to join in the celebration...........

J wanted to go toliet badly, the groom's sister showed her to the toliet in their uncle's house........, its dark......... no toliet bowl........... do it on the floor then flush away with the water ............. J gave a 2nd tot and she said she will bear with it, hehehehe

Someone called out to us and we are making a move to the groom's house for another ceremony. Bid goodbye to the nice uncle and proceed to the house.

Punjabi Wedding Part X - Shopping

2006-01-22T10:38:00.000+08:00

We took a cab to Jusco. Its a nice, big and clean shopping center jus like any shopping center in Singapore.

There is sales going on and we tried and bought some tops. After shopping we went for coffee, wow finally we have our own time to relax. Enjoying the view and chit chatting. We asked the boy from Coffee Bean where to go for dinner. He told us a long list and give us alot of directions till we are blur. Nevertheless we decided to give it a try.

We followed the direction that boy pointed to us. There seems to be no pedestain on the road, there isn't even a path for human to walk........... its quiet, and we wonder............ we come to a cross junction but there is no pedestain traffic light................ so we charged once the car stopped........... when we safely crossed, it seems to be kampong area.............. dog barking etc, we saw lights furhter on the otherside of the road so we Charged again............. hahahaha what an adventure.

We walk towards the light and saw some resturant, what a relief. While we are walking along the pavement, there is a strange noise, its mini bats flying arnd, and we "mountain tortise" are so excited abt it hahaha. We went further down and saw some coffee shop, we picked one and settled down.

We ordered "big noodle", tofu, hor fun and a vege. Nice and fufilling dinner. Yummy. After dinner, we decided to head back to the hotel. We walked further down and passed by a cinema, its showing Hindi movie. We went to the road side and got a cab. Finally we reached the hotel at around 10pm.

We called for the room service to clear up the room and bathroom. Each of us take turns to shower and had another cup of J's 2 in 1 Ipoh coffee. B was since evening because her Ipoh friend's mother is hospitalised in Ipoh and its critical. Later she got another msg, her another Ipoh friend's father is hospitalised............. its double blow for her. She is worry because she imagine herself in their shoes.............. hush hush B.............

The whole nite she is sms-ing and calling.......... we chatted a while and go to our dreamland. B woke up in the middle of the nite, her friend came to the hotel and pick her up to pay a visit to her friend's mother. She return in the morning, not sure what time cause i am in my dreamland.

Punjabi Wedding Part X - Noon Ceremony

2006-01-22T09:47:00.000+08:00

The groom's sister and parents drove us to their house. Once we reached their house, the groom's mother will pour some oil at the door step. Then the couple entered the house and we follow behind.

The groom's mother served us water, cakes, indian sweet and watermelon. J finally got to go toliet. The bride sit down with us and suddenly J break into tears........... guess she must be homesick, leaving her goodfriend soon or tired???? The bride got worry, after a while she is ok and she doze off on the chair.

We are waiting for the groom's relatives to come and start the nxt ceremony, not sure wht is it call but they hv to take out the string tied on their hands. All of us are feeling sleepy in the hot weather. The bride's sister went to help out with housework, washing, sweeping the groom house until the groom told his mum its not right and the groom's mum jump up from the sofa to stop her.

Finally his relatives arrived, they made a big bowl of bandung and place in between the couple. They are then to take out the red string tied to their hand, struggling, struggling. After they are done, there is a little game for them. The groom's auntie dropped their rings into the bundung, the couple will then dig their hands into the syrup and find the ring. It is said that the person who got the ring first will rule the house. There are 3 rounds and the bride got 2 rounds, hehe so she will be the lady Queen............

After the ceremony, the groom's family drove us back. It is about 5pm. Everyone went to our room as they had check out their room this morning since they are leaving tonite. J, BB and me take a quick shower and decided go out for a dinner and do some shopping. We left the room to the 2 families.

Punjabi Wedding Part IX - Wedding dinner

2006-01-21T16:37:00.000+08:00

We reached the groom's house at 6pm.

The bride is dressing up. There are many ideas about how should the make up be, how should the scarf be etc etc. The groom is having his shower and dressed up. Finally the bride and the groom are ready.

As the bride is hungry, her mum in law made milo and bring in some biscuits for her. She share with her husband, the milo must be extra sweet that day.

Around 7pm, the groom's sister drove the 4 of us to the dinner place first. It is a old chinese hall, Wan Hua Function Hall. This was the hall of old primary school. I got to know that my collegue studied that last time, hehe.

We waited seated at a round table outside the hall, waiting for the rest to come. People start coming in. There is free flow of beer outside, and in no time all the drinkers are siting around us. We got abit uneasy, pple stared at us when walking pass so we got up and stand in one
corner. The groom's mother tot we are leaving, quickly got up to us and asked where are we going haha.

Around 8pm, the bridal car arrived. The drum, singing and dancing started. The couple got down and we all follow behind and entered the hall. The couples and parents were seated at a long table at the side of the hall. We are seated at a round table nearby. There were performance, dances and drum.

Food were already served before we are seated, so the moment we sit down, we can start eating. Curry, rice, vege and rose water. After the performance, they shifted the table aside and guests start dancing.

We deceided to go back to the hotel, so we went outside to call for cab. We called the hotel recept and asked her to help us to book but she said she can't. Before we step out of the hotel, the receptionist said we can and now another girl on duty said no. BB was pissed and she tell the recept off and she finally agreed to help.

We waited for a while, no news of the taxi, called back to the hotel, the receptionist said she alrdy called and gave us the number asking us to check ourselve. I called the Radio Taxi, luckily the lady speak chinese. Then I found out that the recept had called the cab to the wrong place!!! We are so damm pissed, luckily the lady from Radio Taxi is helpful. She help us to get a cab, she said tat as it is sat nite, alot of cab driver is off, she told us to get the driver to come back the 2nd round, she will try to get another cab for us.

One cab arrived, luckily chinese, I asked the uncle to come back 2nd round and we agreed to place deposit. The bride's sister and family went first. The 2nd cab came and we sent the bride's brother and family back. The first cab return and fetch us after a while.

Because of that receptionist, we finally got back to hotel after standing outside the hall for 3 hours arranging for the cab. I must praised the service of Radio Cab, Ms Li, she even bother to call back and check if we were all in the cab, and she is calling from Malaysia to Singapore Handpohe.

Punjabi Wedding Part IX - After Wedding Dinner

2006-01-21T16:26:00.000+08:00

We reached hotel around 11pm. Not satisfied with Indian food all the time, we decided to go for some chinese food, the famous Lao Wang Ipoh bean sprot Chicken. Was teasing BB cause she pronouce Lao Wang as Lao Ya (meaning lousy in hokkien) haha.

We changed to our usual clothes, wow feel so comfy, then we called a cab and go for supper. We order the bean sprot chicken with hor fun. We are curious bean sprot chicken and its so famous. Finally the food is served, bean sprot, chicken and bowl hor fun for each of us. Wow dig in! Nice, cruchy bean sprot, tender chicken, smooth hor fun.

Restoran Lou Wong - Ipoh Kway Teow
Now, this is the place to go for tauge ipoh kway teow. This corner shop is most famous for the steamed chicken and beansprout dishes that go with a bowl of piping hot kway teow soup. Although there are a few stalls selling the same menu along the street, locals tend to make a beeline for this place. Lou Wong gets pretty busy from late evening onwards.
Location: No. 49 Jalan Yau Tat Shin

Saw some VCD stalls set up at the road side, lighting up the lights and displaying the cds, suddenly, all the stalls turned off the lights and pack up and disappear.......... we tot police are coming but nothing happen, haha......... after a while, the stalls set up again..........

After our supper, we decided to take a walk. There is a pasar malam nearby. There are many stalls selling watch, belts and shoes. We felt abit uncomfortable cause pple seems to be staring at us, then we realise that we are the only chineses and indian there........... We faster make our move from there.

We passed by a shop, it is still open but the door is lock, we got to press the bell before they let us in. We looked at the clothes but its too ex. Next door is a tibit shop, we decided to get some tibits back. We flagged a cab and went back to hotel.

Each of us take turn to shower, then J made 2 in 1 white coffee for us. We chatted while having coffee, nice coffee. Soon we realised its almost 4 am in the morning, we decided to sleep cause we need to wake up early in the morning to attend the temple ceremony.

Punjabi Wedding Part IX - Before Wedding Dinner

2006-01-21T08:56:00.000+08:00

21st January 2006, Saturday

J is the first to wake up. She went to shower and changed. I am 2nd to wake up. I woke up around 9am as I remembered the breakfast end at 10am. After I have done with brushing and changing, I woke BB up. After BB is ready we rush down to the breakfast buffet at around 9.50am.

We take what we wanted as the staffs started to clear up the buffet counter at 10am sharp. We had Omelette, harsh brown, nasi lemak, porriage, harsh brown, bread etc. After breakfast, we decided to change room. BB is unable to sleep cause she keep hearing the housekeeper's room door open and close and she keep thinking some one is opening our room door. Whenever she heard the door noise, she said she keep asking me if there is someone at the door but i din answer. Actually i tot she is talking in the sleep cause i cannot figure out wht she is mumbling.

We changed from RM 809 to RM 802. The room looks better and more spacious. After we are settled, we decided to go out and explore. BB and J wana have a hair wash and I wanted to have manicure and pedicure.

First we went to a shopping center, I've forgotten its name. It is a 2 storey building. We spent only 20 mins inside, there is nothing much, more Malay baju and acessories, s0 we decided to go to Parkson.

Parkson is a bigger and newer shopping center. We went to search for the hair salon and medicurist but we went round and round and round, couldn't find one. We asked the locals, they gave us different directions. Finally we found it. I went for my medicure and pedicure while BB and J went to the hair salon nxt door.

The medicure and pedicure is ex and not professional. The medicurist didn't even file my nails. She removed my nail polish, massage my hands and legs with oil, then apply the nail polish and try to blow dry with her mouth........... the colours are limited............. and the nail polish is those kiddy type, there is a teddy bear infront............and i got to laid down on those facial bed when doing pedicure............. within 2 hrs it is done. I paid Rm90 in total.

I went nxt door and look for them. BB told me a bad news. She said the groom called and inform her that they are unable to get the Sunday nite bus ticket for us and so we had to return on Monday morning.............. oh no, i planned to go back to work on Monday noon but seems like its impossible........... we got to give our seats to the other sister and her 2 daughters..............

The worst is I did not bring extra clothes cause i din know about the bride's sister and 2 daughters are going and that we may have to give up the seats to them................

We went to Parkson and look for extra clothes esp for me.............. can't find any, all too expensive. We suddenly tot of the reject shop. I got one pants and t-shirt, price reasonable. But my medicure is spoiled while taking out the pants from the hanger to try......... there goes my rm 90. Its 3.45pm, we got to rush back, we promised the bride that we will be at the groom's house at 5pm, looks like its impossible.

Once we reached hotel, one by one take shower and dress up. Initially we wanted to put tilla, but after trying on we deceided not to cause we are afraid it will drop. We wore it and took some pictures in the hotel like models. After that we removed and get ready to meet the bride's sister family and brother family in the lobby, got 3 taxi and set off to the groom's house.

Punjabi Wedding Part VIII - Ipoh cab

2006-01-20T16:45:00.000+08:00

When we got on the cab then we realise they dun have the practise to on the meter. The bride's sis look at me and asked me how much should we pay.......... we were blurred......... as tis is the first time we took cab in Ipoh and nobody tell us what to expect............

Luckily when we reached the hotel, the bride's brother is there and he told us how much to pay. We check in at the counter and got our keys. All of us are so tired and wish to shower and sleep.

One of the Bride's sister (BB), her chinese friend (J) and me shared one room. Our room is right at the end, nxt to the housekeeping room, its abit scary. When we check in, we are abit disappointed with the condition.

The bathtub is damaged by cigratte stain, it has no stopper, the sink has no stopper. The bedsheet seems rather dirty, the extra pillow is worst, it is cover with black dotes. When the housekeeper end up an extra bed, we are really disgusted. The bed in a horrible condition. However, we are tire and its late, we decided to bear with it for 2 nites.

There is no water provided, the fridge is empty, BB and me went to out of the hotel to get some drinking water. We waited for the lift near our room, when the lift door open, we were horrifed, there is a puddle of vomit! Both of us are so disguested, we went further to take another lift.

When we are out of hotel, We din know where to get water, there is no shop in the hotel, we decided to cross the road, but the further we go, the quieter it is and we decided to turn back, its rather scary. Suddenly we spotted a mini shop beside the hotel, we are so glad. We bought few big bottles of water and some tibits and went back to hotel.

Finally shower and get to rest. But is an unbearable nite, its very cold, we are all shivering. The chinese girl requested for extra blanket and is still feeling cold. Finally she jump up of the bed and call the housekeeper as the controller dun seems to work.

The guy come and do some adjustment, all of us doze off again..............

Punjabi Wedding Part VIII - Ipoh

2006-01-20T16:10:00.000+08:00

Finally we had some rest on the bus.
Its a total of 7 hours ride. Stopped at several stop and escorted the bride to the toliet.
Drum and singing filled the bus, all the old hindi songs.
Its a long and unbearable journey, too tired, din really sleep cause I am too excited.

Finally around 8.30pm we arrived at the groom's place. Its a 2 storey landed property. The groom's family members jump off the bus and get ready to start the drum and singing for the arrival of the couple.

Singing and dancing started and leading the couple into the house, the bride's family followed behind. The couple have to step into the house with first their right legs.

The couple were seated on the sofa, the groom's auntie and mother present their gift and blessing. After that the couple were sent to their room upstair. We followed behind.
The couple were seated on the bed, the groom asked us to take a pic for them while he sent a suprise kiss on the bride's cheek. The bride shly smile.

Groom's nephew, big boy, around 20 years old, came in the room and sat on the bride's lap. He will not get up unless he was give a satisfied amount. Some bargaining take place, but the boy is too big, the bride finally give in.

When everyting is over, we went downstair and dinner is served. We ate the dishes catered from the one and only punjabi caterer in Ipoh. After dinner, the groom's family called 3 cabs to send us to the hotel.

The bride is unable to eat, she felt sad and scare that we are leaving her hehind, haha big baby. Finally we bid goodbye and board the taxi.

Punjabi Wedding Part VII - Temple 2

2006-01-20T15:46:00.000+08:00

Everyone went down after the ceremony. The groom and his families are singing and dancing at then entrance. The groom then walk in to bring the bride to the eating place for lunch. Everyone then proceed to the eating place for lunch. Vegetarian lunch but yummy.

After lunch, the bride, groom and the bestman will seat down in a roll. The ladies from the bride side will stand behind. The married women from the bride side will feed them with indian sweets and give their blessing. The bride's sister secretly planned some tricks to sabo the bestman.

We stand secretly behind the bestman. Once the feeding and blessing is over, the bride's niece put a necklace made of vege over the bestman, the bride's sister draw lipstick on the best man and i power baby power over him. The bestman become an white old man instantly.

After all the fun, everyone line out to take group photo. Then we are getting ready to go. But the fun is not over yet, the groom couldn't find his shoes. The bride's niece hided his shoes. They will return his shoes if he give an satisfying amount. Finally the groom got his shoes back.

The couple got on the bridal car and off they go. The bridal car will make one round and back to the temple, the bride's mother will feed her last mouth of water and bid goodbye, tears rolling, bride, bride's mother and bride's sister all started........

Few moment later, the couple is ready to go, the father of the groom sprinkle some coins, everyone will rush to pick up the coins. The bridal car drove off, the groom's family members bid goodbye to the bride's family and everyone boarded the bus.

The bride's brother family, 2 sisters, 2 nieces, chinese friend and me followed the bride to Ipoh. We boarded their bus as well. Finally a chance to relax.

Punjabi Wedding Part VII - Temple 1

2006-01-20T15:20:00.000+08:00

We reached Sikh temple shortly. We covered our head with the scarf, take off our shoes and walk into the temple. The bride's chinese friend and me escort the bride to a resting room upstair. The rest remain below waiting for the groom and his family members to arrive, they had travelled from Ipoh the day before. Once the groom and families arrived, milnee will start. In the milnee, both families’ exchange presents, tacitly accepting one another.

After milnee, everyone have their breakfast in the eating place in temple. The bride side catered vegetarian food as it is in the temple. After breakfast, we went up to the room and sit with the bride.

The groom and his family entered the hall and seated. The groom seated first in front of the holy book. Then followed by the bride led in afterward escorted by her sister-in law and the rest of us follows. All of pay our respect to the holy book and then seated in the hall. Everyone sitted on the floor, guys on the right and ladies on the left.

Ceremony started. As it is in their language, I dun understand. I found some material from the website, adding on to what I experience and hope its accurate.

The Priest will then explain the Sikh perspective (above) of marriage, stressing the importance of the union about to take place. After the priest's address, the ceremonial procedures truly begin.

The couple and their parents stand and ardas (prayers) are spoken asking for God’s blessing for the proposed marriage and the couple.These opening prayers are followed by the palaa ceremony. A shawl, saffron-coloured, is folded lengthwise. The right end is placed over the groom's shoulder and into his hands; the bride holds the left end. Throughout the palaa ceremony, the ragis sing a prayer, the Shabad Palai. Palaa, similar to other Asian wedding traditions, bonds the couple together physically to represent their spiritual link.What follows is critical and special to Sikh marriages. The Laavan, written by the fourth guru, Guru Ram Das for his own marriage, is a series of four prayers. Literally Laavan means 'break away'- the marriage is the bride breaking away from her natural family.

The ragis sing his words as the couple walks, connected by the palaa, clockwise around the Guru Granth Sahib. The groom leads the bride during the circling of the Guru Granth Sahib. They finish their round as the ragis finish the prayer. The couple then bows to the holy book and sits waiting the second prayer of the Laavan. Each round is performed in the same manner.The Laavan serves a dual purpose: the verses are both offerings of advice and references to times of married life. The first verse impresses upon the importance of committing oneself to righteousness, communication with one's own soul and the spiritual journey of all Sikhs. The second verse tells the couple of their future success. In marrying, they will find the true Guru; they can move beyond their own personalities and prejudices, using the marital institution as part of their spiritual paths. The third verse says that the couple is blessed to be part of a supportive Sikh community and that to follow the spiritual path set before them, they should serve and respect those around them. The final verse of the Laavan says that in marriage the two will inspire each other towards becoming one with the Infinite, as they follow the advice of the previous three verses.At the completion of Laavan, the assembly showers the couple with flower petals. According to Sikh codes of conduct, the two are now officially married.The Priest will then say a few words to close the ceremony and legally pronounce the couple as husband and wife.

After the ceremony, everyone linger around the hall talking and taking pic with the couple. Then we proceed downstair.

Punjabi Wedding Part VI - Wedding Day - Setting off

2006-01-20T08:59:00.000+08:00

20th January 2006, Friday

I reached the bride place at around 6.30am. The make-up artist is painting the bride's face. The bride insisted not wearing the fake eye lashes. But still she look stunning after the make up cause she is beautiful by nature. Finally put up the head scarf.

On top of the 15 red and ivory bangles on each hands, the Bride has to wear gold bangles. Kalira (ornaments) is tied to the bride's gold bangles, the purpose of kalira is to make housework impossible. Wow the bride is so shinning, gold head scarf, gold tilla, gold ear rings, gold necklace, gold ring and diamond smile ............. aiya cannot open my eyes.........

When the bride is ready, everyone got so excited, taking turns to take pic with her. For the moment she become Bollywood actress, so many flashes, snap snap snap.

Its time to set off. The bride's neighbour, Malay, send her and her brother family to the temple in his car. The rest of us take the bus chartered. We set off to the Yishun Sikh Temple. There is a mixture of Chinese, Malays and Indians, helping each other, its a nice scene, racial harmony ........... peace.......... :)

Punjabi Wedding Part V - Mehndi Ceremony

2006-01-18T14:48:00.000+08:00

In the evening, we had some dinner and getting ready for the Mehndi Lady to come and do Mehndi for the bride.

Mehndi, as an Indian wedding tradition, dates back to Mughal times. The hands and feet are intricately patterned with a paste of henna, oil, lemon juice and water steeped in tea leaves. Mehndi is supposed to symbolize the strength of love in a marriage. Hence the darker the designs, the stronger the love. Professional mehndiwalis apply mehndi for all of the women and girls of the wedding party.

The mehndiwalis finally arrived around 7.30pm. While the bride is siting still, letting her hand being drawn, the woman of the family started the party.

First is the Jago dance. A steel jar is filled with flour dough and candles is stick on top. The Bride's youngest sister in law start the ball rolling. Everyone stands outside the door, the bride's sister in law carried the jargo and place it on her head. She then dance her way into the house and the rest of the ladies followed behind her.

The jago is passed from one lady to another. When the lady put the jago on her head, she will go to the center of the hall and dance.

After the jago, dance and singing started. It will lasted till the Mehndi is done. I am busy snapping pic and helping in the kitchen because i am too shy to dance and i duno how to sing haha.

Finally around 10pm, the Mehndi is done. While the rest of the ladies is q-ing for the mehndi to be done, I decided to make a move. Tomolo is a working day for me so i bid goodbye to everyone.