Pre, Pre, Pre-CNY Chores

The first lunar new year as the missus, and second year in our new home.

After doing the laundry and sweeping yesterday, took the air-con apart for cleaning and brought down the curtains for washing. Cleaned up the bedroom a bit, and I'm only left with clearing my bookshelf. Every year I'm stuck with the last-minute attempts to tidy up my wardrobe, so this year I decided to do it earlier.

Brace urselves for the horrendous sight of my wardrobe...

Before

After

It's tidier now (I think) since I did cleared out a stack of unworn/unwanted clothes which I've been hoarding for years. Self-console.

To reward myself, I've decided to spree Forever21 and Old Navy/GAP with the girls this week. We bought more than US$500 US$600 worth of merchandise, so happy! I'm sure I'll be able to figure out where to chuck the new clothes again at a later date. Hah!

Anyway, both Poppy and I took leave on the third week of the month to finish up the pre-new year chores, and help him with his annual Ngoh Hiang making. There've been lots of requests for his Ngoh Hiang it seems, so Poppy's doubling the quantity as compared to last year (and he's more than happy that his snack is so popular).

Oh, Poppy's back from work.

Off for din-din!

There goes my hope of a second property and, not forgetting, my Capitaland stocks. Aaaarghhhh!

For the fourth time in two years, they have implemented "cooling measures".

The new measures

by Esther Ng

- Holding period for imposition of Seller's Stamp Duty (SSD) increased from three to four years.

- SSD rates raised to 16 per cent, 12 per cent, 8 per cent and 4 per cent for homes bought today and thereafter and which are sold in the first, second, third and fourth year, respectively.

- Loan-To-Value (LTV) limit lowered to 50% on housing loans for property purchasers who are not individuals.

- LTV limit lowered from 70 per cent to 60 per cent for individual property purchasers with one or more outstanding housing loans.

Taken from:

http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110114-0000238/New-cooling-measures-but-,,,

Brisbane Flood

Just where did all that water come from?!

This is so saddening.

Animals suffering in Brisbane flood crisis

It is not just people who have been affected by floods swamping Queensland - animals too are suffering terribly.

Domestic pets, wild animals and commercial livestock have all been caught up in the disaster.

Michael Beatty, the RSPCA's Queensland spokesman, says he has heard many devastating tales from residents forced to evacuate their homes.

"In some places where people have had to leave their pets behind it's been absolutely heartbreaking for them, as I'm sure you can understand," he said.

Mr Beatty says the flooding has left the organisation in a tough position.

"Anything to do with animals, everyone calls the RSPCA. Unfortunately, the situation in Brisbane now, in regards to us physically being able to take in animals, is non-existent because we simply can't," he said.

"We don't have an operational shelter in Brisbane. The animals that left the Brisbane shelter have gone into foster care and we just really thank the foster carers and the volunteers who came in this morning to help.

"But at the moment, we basically can't take in any other animals."

Mr Beatty says for the time being, the RSPCA has enough foster care homes.

"But certainly in the days, possibly even weeks ahead, we are going to need more foster carers, there's no doubt about that," he said.

Mr Beatty says there are concerns for all animals, including domestic pets, farm animals and those in the wild.

"In Rockhampton even now we don't know exactly how bad the situation is going to be in regard to livestock," he said.

"We have started to drop food to areas where we know livestock has been isolated.

"In most cases people did their best to try to move the animals to higher ground, but in some cases the higher ground that they moved them to simply wasn't high enough.

"In all possibility there'll be a large number of animals, livestock in particular, that will have died during the floods, no doubt about that.

"As far as the native animal toll, well, I don't think anyone's going to know probably for weeks."

Taken from

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/01/12/3111620.htm?site=news

Birthday Trip '11

And so, there's something to look forward to in 2011 already!

My annual birthday trip =)

Past trips include: 2007 - Trip back to Gramps' with family; 2008 - Brought Mommy & Bro to Bangkok with Poppy; 2009 - Guangzhou, Macau & Zhuhai trip with Poppy, Vincent & Qingli (and, that was where he proposed. hee.)

This year, Poppy has finally decided that we shall go to Cambodia. Like FINALLY.

Had wanted to go there last year, but wedding preparations held back most of the trips, including my birthday trip.

Since my trip to Yogyakarta in 2008 with Hoochie, I've been lemming to go for a nice photography trip with Poppy. Indochina's my personal favorite, apart from India (which Poppy has yet to come to terms with). Although we've been to Vietnam, Thailand and the Riau Island (countless times, I must add) over the past few years, I've never actually brought my cam equipment because... I was more keen in shopping. Oops, hah.

Simply surfing over the internet and looking at pictures of the countless boutique hotels in Phnom Penh makes me want to fly there right this instance! Here's a few for your viewing pleasure...

The Japanese Suite from The Villa Paradiso

Pretty cabanas by the pool from Blue Lime

Can't wait to take this opportunity to explore and play with the cammie I got for him during X'mas. The cammie's still naked now (with no bag or carrying case), so I'm still pondering over which camera bag I should buy for the baby. Something comfy for carrying throughout the day and yet trusty (best if waterproof).

So far, I've got two in mind, both from Crumpler

(I personally prefer Lowepro but I think Poppy would like something that doesn't look as dull)

5 Million Dollar Home

6 Million Dollar Home

Hilarious names they have for their line of products, don't you think?

Am I impatient or what?

I can't wait for April to be here seriously!

New Year. New Resolutions.

The New Year spells the need for new resolutions.

A gentle reminder for myself to work towards fulfilling them all, like I did for last year!

1. A trip to Seoul, Korea

Unfortunately, I'll be missing the chance to join Shan in February.

Because it's my first official lunar new year as the "Missus", Poppy thinks it's a bad idea to be travelling during the festive. A little disappointed, but I love CNY too much to miss it anyway.

So hopefully, I'll have a chance to bring Mommy there in Spring or Autumn in 2011!

Also, my annual target of 4 trips per year, as with previous years, may be reduced it to just 2 or 3, if I do get to go for a long one in Korea.

2. A new member in the home

After rounds of discussion (...and disagreement) since the wedding. We have finally concluded that, yes, we should have a new member in the house. Of coz, we're gonna let nature take it's course and nothing much's being done yet since we've got conflicting schedules for most parts, so hopefully the new year will be kinder on us and grant more time to fulfill our parental duties.

Lemming to go for a month or two of long leave to rest up and Poppy seems agreeable on that. Hee. And yes, we think it'll be nice to have another kitty at home too =))

3. More, more, more Moolah

As with every other year, this item is a permanent resident on my list.

Definitely not one to pray for striking lottery, simply by my own hard work, I want to set and attain a reasonable amount to save in the new year. Only starting to grow my savings back since the wedding-and-honeymoon, so extra efforts are in order for 2011!

Now that you've seen mine, what's your resolution(s) for the new year?

New Year. New Hair.

I want a new style for new year!

Love the current length, which is easy to manage, but it's getting a little untidy although I've already trimmed it once in October. Told Shan and Mich sometime back that I'm lemming to perm it again, but very much afraid I will look auntie-ish. Mich is totally regretting her cut and is against my idea, of coz.

Anyhoos, here's a couple of ideas I got online...

About the same as my current length. A little unkempt but more natural.

Suits my lazy a$$ best =D

Slightly shorter and neater. I gather much effort has to be put it to keep it this tidy.

About the same as current length too (after perm). Tighter curls and cuter.

Would look pretty when tied up too, I think!

Shucks. I need suggestions.

New Year. New Resolutions. - The Review

A review on the resolutions I made at the beginning of 2010:

1. cut down on sprees
relatively hard now that i've found my way to buy stuff not just from US, UK but also Korea at the comfort of my home. ok, skip this.

Check. I still make one or two bulk purchases once in a while *sheepish*, but definitely not as much as I did in the first half of the year.

1. continue to buck up on my exercise regime
2009 was a good start.
now that i've moved in with Poppy, let's hope he''ll continue to keep me motivated

Check. Back on the exercise routine. With a little objective of completing a half-marathon under 2 hours, hopefully it'll keep me going on in the months to come.

2. i will attempt (at least a little) DIY for my wedding

i resolve to add some personal touches (or at the least attempt to do so).

on side note, i was (or still am?) infamously known in the family for my 三分钟热度 lit. short-lived enthusiasm. i need some whipping from my bridesmaids.

Zilch. Turns out the wedding was too big an affair for me to handle myself. Glad things turned out ok afterwards, anyway.

3. increase my moolah

alright, i figured i probably won't be able to save much because of my terrible shopping habits. since i can't save more, i shall earn more then! more OT!

Check. Fairly successful, I gather. Despite the huge drain on my bank accounts in 2009/2010 due to the wedding and honeymoon, still managed to meet my target for 2010, recover my losses and start growing my savings again.

PS: Eating out much more than before this year, and that's burning a considerable hole in my pocket. Baaaadd.

Feeling a little itchy though, from our abstinence from traveling abroad.

Still, we got to visit Bangkok in January, USA for 2 weeks in July, Hong Kong in September and random Malaysia trips (just one more trip and I would've met my once-a-quarter trip objective too. I'm just greedy.)

Just 5 more days to a brand new year. New resolutions are in order!

Week 51

The past weeks have been work, work.. and a lot of work.

17.12.10 Friday

We did manage to visit Megatex at Singapore Expo, after my night shift, and we finally bought Poppy his Dyson vacuum. Had steamboat buffet for dinner at Sunset, just by ourselves the same evening, and visited Alex at his place to collect his early X'mas pressie for us - a set of Pioneer Home Theatre System. Yays.

18.12.10 Saturday

Went to fetch Loh Wei in the afternoon, and met up with Derrick and his wife at Ubi. Then we headed off to meet Foong for lunchie and their "fishy" business. Of coz, I took the opportunity to grab some cakes from Pine Garden! Yummo!

The boys moved all the equipment and tank to our place, set up, chit chat, snacked, finished up and another of his colleague, Stanley, came by to join for dinner. Much as anyone can guess, Poppy introduced them to his fave 咸蛋排骨 at Sunset.

Work, work over the next few days with random visits to the aquarium and our regular jogs.

22.12.10 Wednesday

Finally off!

Took my well-deserved sleep after work.

Since Poppy wasn't hungry when I woke up in the evening, we went for a jog together before washing up and having our dinner at Sakae sushi at City Vibes (at almost 9pm). Dropped by aquarium again, then went home to fix up my own feesh-tank. Took a short drive out to West Coast park afterwards and back home again to continue fixing feesh-tank. Sheesh.

PS: Poppy was a sweetie and bought me some more Pine Garden cakes when he was in the area a few days back!

23.12.10 Thursday

JB day.

Terrible traffic jam. Only managed to reach Jusco after an hour of being stuck in the traffic.

Can't remember if we had lunch or we headed straight for KTV. Only recall having noodles at Ah Biao's before engaging in another hour of jam or so. Blah.

Met Vincent for snackie and popped by his place to see his or-gui (tortoise) and new tank.

Poppy had to work the next day, so we headed home shortly after.

24.12.10 Friday

Off to Changi for some business in the morning. Then caught up with Shan over lunchie. It's been such a long long time since I last saw her! We always have endless to talk about! =)

Brief shopping at City Plaza after Mee-hoon Kuey meal. Then we headed home separately.

Poppy returned home after attending his colleague's funeral, then we slacked around at home for a bit. Before deciding to have a light dinner - our fave Teochew Porridge at Lim Joo Hin Eating H ouse off Beo Crescent. Turned out to be not-so-light for me after I devoured two bowls of porridge together with a plate of bak chor (minced meat); sweet and sour pork ribs; tow pok (dried beancurd); and half a salted egg. Poppy strictly adhered to just a bowl of porridge, but had to help me finish a few mouthfuls after I was thoroughly stuffed. Hehe.

Bored as we were. We agreed to go to Sea View aquarium in Jalan Kayu to take a look. Picked up Foong on the way too. Browsed and bought some miscellaneous items. Sent Foong home, then off to meet Khiam at Dempsey for ice cream at Ben & Jerry's (with compliments from my dear brother)!

Chitter-chatter for a bit, and off home again.

On the drive home, told Poppy that all I want for X'mas-es, New Years or Valentine's... is to have a simple meal, go watch feesh (although it's not really my kinda hobby, but it's nice to understand what Poppy enjoys doing and we can have a common topic) and have a peaceful day. =))

25.12.10 Saturday

So here it was, X'mas day - just like any other days. No special celebration and no church visit this time 'round since I'm working in the evening.

Got up around 10, prepared and drove over to Alex's. Poppy went for his swim with Khiam and I went for my jog in the gym. Off to West Coast for yummy duck rice after washing-up. Grabbed some groceries at Sheng Siong afterwards because Poppy was in the mood (again) for making Ngoh Hiang.

So while I was taking my pre-work nap, the fragrance from his cooking filled the whole house and Custard was making funny hungry sounds. Ok, maybe she's just pissed that she has to stay in the cage while Poppy mopped the floor and cleaned up the kitchen after cooking. Packed some of the yummo meat rolls together with my pasta, fruits and pastries, then Poppy sent me to work.

That marks the end of my monotonous festive.

Well, I was supposed to have prepared a pressie for Poppy but there was a little crop-up.

Anyway, I really racked my brains X 1000 to think of a suitable and practical gift since we already got the Dyson vacuum earlier last week.

Ruled out:

(1) adidas miCoach since I managed to find a pretty useful (but slightly cranky) Runkeeper App available for both iPhone and Android OS (for free!);

(2) Bicycle - As someone who doesn't cycle, I've got no clue what brand/type he would prefer

(3) iPhone 4. Apparently, he's not very tech-savvy and I have to jailbreak/restore/manage his current iPhone 3GS. Can't imagine what I have to do if he gets iPhone 4 in his hands. Brrr.

(4) iPad. Same as point 3. Plus it's redundant have 2 Apple OS gadgets.. might as well get Galaxy Tab, but he probably doesn't need either.

(5) Definitely, not a watch because he only wore the last cK watch I got for him less than twice! Bad Poppy!

Shit. What's left?

He's always been really thrifty and never indulged much in his hobbies, especially if they're expensive. So finally decided to get him...

A picture to make up it first (only if he reads this in time). Hee.

Nikon DSLR D300 with 17-55mm Lens (AF-S Zoom-Nikkor ED 17-55mm f/2.8G IF DX)

Did some comparison against the D90 also from Nikon & EOS50D / 40D from Canon. And still prefer Nikon. I'm just biased. Ha!

Hopefully, things iron out and I can get my hands on this baby during my sole off day next week.

S$6K poorer by then, but worth every cent =)

Week 49

02.12.10 Thursday

Met Poppy at Jurong Point after work, bought a cake for LiHan from Icing Room.

Pity Mingkai couldn't make it at the last minute, so we decided to meet at Vivocity instead. Had our dinners at Marché, then off to Coffeebean to cut the cake and have a cuppa.

Coffee & Cream. Yum.

Headed home after sending LiHan home.

Long day ahead.

03.12.10 Friday

Set off for company's D&D at Klapsons in Tanjong Pagar. Ultra tired, especially after an entire day's work.

There were giveaways including a pair of air tickets, a Royal Caribbean cruise and about 10 iPads but I only managed to win myself vouchers (AGAIN). Ok, at least it's better than Eric's prize (last year) of rice cooker. LOL.

Part of the team during the D&D

04.12.10 Saturday

Collected my parcel from the post office, had breakfast at the central, then grocery shopping at NTUC in the morning. Fetched Kenn and his family, then headed to Turf City to see cars again. Spent half the day there and he decided on a Lancer Ex in black. We then rushed off for Gong Gong's birthday dinner with the rest of the family at Bukit Timah. They were almost finished and we went to clear the leftovers. Haha.

Sent Godmum and her family home, then we stopped by Ochado in Chong Pang. My brother recommended me to this brand, but it's oh-so-faraway so I've never tried it till today. Poppy got his usual Hazelnut Milk Tea but with Coffee Jelly and I got the Roasted Tea with Azuki Beans and Pearls. He's was just ok but mine was really good. Price is about the same as Koi, but pity it's simply too far away for me though.

05.12.10 Sunday

Had our late breakfasts at MacDonald's, West Coast. Went for a stroll in the park afterwards, and since we had no program so we headed home. We were feeling game for some badminton, but all the courts in the sports complexes nearby were all fully booked, so we called up Kenn and met at his house to play instead.

Worked up a good amount of sweat, showered quickly and met Alex & Mich at their place. Then all 6 of us were off to Nex! Darned crowded. All we could see were many heads. =S

Anyhoos, we had some sweets and headed off for dinner at Foodpark, Sunset.

Home to Zzz after dindin.

Work as usual on Monday and Tuesday. And it's my turn for night shift for the rest of the month. Boring.

It's high time for a job switch, I think. Sigh.

08.12.10 Wednesday

Home to sleep in the morning after work. Poppy came home in the evening and we were off to JB for dindin at Taman Sentosa. Returned home and popped by Bengawan Solo to buy some snacks (because of night shift, I become extremely hungry at night).

Attempted to sleep but ended up watching HK Drama and forcing myself to bed at 3am. Then woke up at 8am when Poppy prepared to go to work. Night shifts sucks balls.

09.12.10 Thursday

Random nothingness throughout the day. Took my nap then met sis-in-law to go to Sunset together for FIL's birthday dinner. Stopped by Balmoral Bakery, as recommended by Lady Iron Chef, to grab some confectionery. Pity, the custard buns were already sold out. Almost bought the entire shop home but decided to just buy enough for the next day's breakfast.

2 X Napoleons (mille feuille), cake with cream centre, cream horn, curry puff (not in picture)

Dinner was humdrum, considering we've eaten at the same place for like 4 - 5 times in the past few weeks. Every dish on the table was ok, until MIL decided to order crabs. Yucks. Cooked crab swimming in diluted sweet-and-sour chili sauce. Bad choice.

Poppy sent them all home afterwards, and I took a walk back home via my favorite scenic route.

10.12.10 Friday

Slept late in the wee hours again. Then went to Peace Centre in the afternoon before heading to Raffles City shopping centre to do some x'mas shopping. Bought many much snacks (Yum!) - Honey Roasted Whiltshire Ham Crisps, 3 X Fruits Jelly Puffs and an assortment of cookies and chocolates. *drool*

Walked over to Suntec City to meet Poppy for dindin. Had a Salmon with Soba set meal and skipped dessert coz we'll be having popcorn and nachos later. Browsing in Carrefour for a bit then got to the cinema for Narnia 3.

I never watched Part 1 and 2 of this movie, and after the show it's not difficult to figure out why I never caught the prequels. Guess I probably didn't miss much anyway.

Anyway, we headed home straight after the movie since Poppy's working the next day and needed to rest early.

And I managed to get myself to sleep by 1am too.

Haven't gotten my dose of jog/run or any exercise the whole week. Feeling awkward all over. Not like night shifts at all =(

Week 48

27.11.10 Saturday

Work as usual. Met Alex & Mich after work, fetched Kenn & Lynn and headed off to JB. Had Bah Kut Teh at a random shop because 2 of our favorites were both closed. Drove back to Taman Sentosa after dinner for a car wash, then supper of Lok-Lok and Ice-Jelly. Noms. We ate SOOO much within the span of a few hours.

'twas almost 2am by the time we sent Kenn & Lynn back, and got home ourselves.

28.11.10 Sunday

Supposed to get up early for our jog, but we were too tired from the late night before. We did manage to grab ourselves brekkie at MacDonald's though. Then we drove over to 舅舅's place to visit Popo & Gong Gong. Stayed there through to the evening, sent them home and headed home for our evening jog.

Alex called up and asked if we wanted to meet for dinner. So off we went to Causeway Point for Ichiban Sushi. Still the same long queue even at the other end of the island. They ran out of the custard roll, so we had dessert at Swensen's instead. Ate super full (AGAIN).

All that run gone to waste. Tsk Tsk.

Home, wash-up and Zzz.

Monday & Tuesday was just work, work and work. Our new shoe cabinet has arrived and we don't have to stack our footwear like a mountain beneath the window anymore. And my Forever21 shipment is also delivered. Yippee X 2!

01.12.10 Wednesday

Wednesday was my sleep day. Slept till noon, woke up for some cereals and a variety show, then back to sleep again till 6pm, when Bro knocked on my door. He brought me many Ben & Jerry's vouchers. Yay.

Poppy came home slightly after 6pm then it was dinner time!

Had Salted Egg Pork Ribs again at Foodpark in Sunset. Friendly to our taste-buds and pockets. We like!

Sent Bro back to hall, headed home to wash up, then Poppy said to meet Mingkai at Botak Jones downstairs.

Random chit-chat over a drink. And I finally realize who was Poppy's Ping-Pong kaki. It's so out of this world, I thought only my dad plays Ping-Pong. LOL.

Anyhoos, decided we'll meet again this evening for LiHan's belated birthday dinner.

Then there's the company D&D at Klapsons tomorrow evening.

So sleepsie. 1 off-day is barely enough for me to sleep. Wish I don't have to work tomorrow.

Oh well...