Colors of my life

2012-01-16T00:26:00.000+08:00

Life as a homemaker/pirated tai-tai

It has almost been 2 months since I left my job and I wonder how did I spend my days. Friends have been asking me what have I been up to. Seriously, when I think back, I was packed with stuff almost everyday that I wonder if I am working, how am I able to do all these. Anyway, somehow things will have to move on, a matter of what's the repercussion of each choices made.

With my inflexible job before, I wonder how would my renovation turn out to be if I hadn't been around. Not like I care much the progress of the renovation, but more of cleaning up the place after the renovation ended each day. Its pretty tiring I would say, given I have not touch household chores for almost 5 years.

During the renovation month, I sent hubby to work so we can have breakfast together since there's no helper around to make breakfast for him. I stuffed myself with heavy breakfast so I can skip lunch (since I was lazy to pack lunch home) or when there is no lunch appointment. Here and there, the ID will dropby to ask me for my opinions and that's how time passes so quickly.

After the renovation was done at 95%, I flew off to HK with Wenting for a week. I came back for 2 days to clear the laundry and to repack my luggage for Seoul for another week. When I came back, I had to run super lots of errands for CNY gifts and the early reunion lunch held at my house.

This coming week is not spared either. I am going to queue for the barbecue pork, lunch with Josephine, collect my Serta pillow and buy Song Cho accessories for my kitchen. Tuesday onwards are packed all the way to Saturday, so much that I have to write down the individual errands so I will not miss out any. In that way, I will make a better home-maker. Haha.

2012-01-07T20:32:00.001+08:00

Hello from Seoul!

- Posted using BlogPress from Connie's iPhone

Location:Namdaemunno 2(i)-ga,Seoul,South Korea

2012-01-03T14:07:00.000+08:00

I bid farewell to 2011 in HK

Since it was an impromptu trip to HK, it was also an impromptu NYE party attended. Held at Wanchai @ a Ferry Pier, I would say the pub/club was shabby looking for HKD 500. Kinda fun and boring since at my age I didn't expect myself to party again and of coz the fireworks did not live up to my expectations except those which "spills" out from the tall buildings.

2011 was tough, especially the 2nd half. The first half started sweetly, with all things in place. Apparently, things started to rock, especially in the aspect of my job which affected me so much. So much that I felt lost and thinking that why is it so tough to earn money, respect, esteem and much more. I should not have followed my current boss because our aims in career is different. She is a sole breadwinner for her family and has no self security, brings home misery to work and affects the team morale. I prefer a leader who can lift the team spirits and believes empowerment.

I dropped several holiday plans, be it reasons to due work, husband, money, I am glad I did a getaway to HK to end the miserable year and of course looking forward to my Seoul trip the day after next.

I told myself earlier that I must embrace changes well. I did, at least I know what I want more for myself, not as confused as before, trying not to be fickle as before and be a better short term housewife as before!

Let 2012 be a good year, please.

2011-12-31T01:05:00.001+08:00

HK, for the 3rd time in 2011

Loves being in HK with my girlfriends and we will be counting down to the new year together!- Posted using BlogPress from Connie's iPhone

Location:Hoi Ping Rd,,Hong Kong

2011-12-16T08:40:00.000+08:00

I will be heading to Hong Kong with Wenting on 26th and this is my 3rd trip to Hong Kong this year. That also sums up the last holiday for 2011 and when I am back on the 2nd Jan, I will be heading to Seoul with hubby =p

2011-12-01T11:28:00.000+08:00

So far so good

The unemployment life has been pretty good with daily rush - sending hubby to work, run errands, marketing and meeting friends for lunch/tea/dinner.

The renovation is going to commence next week. I guess I will be staying out most of the time then =p

2011-11-29T20:34:00.000+08:00

The last of 20s

Yeap, joining the 30s club next year and that's how old I am which I refuse to admit at times. As I am writing this, I wonder have I mature enough to behave like a 30 year old?

Birthday wish for this time round is to hope for a better job. To define better job means, better hours, better bosses/team and better job scope. Better money is a bonus because I wasn't badly paid in my last job.

Another, which is my forever wish that is out of reach is to have a house/home of my own. Forget about affordability because affordability comes next after the first problem (that is without a realistic solution).

Cheers to ageing! haha

2011-11-20T21:35:00.001+08:00

The Monday that's never gonna be the same

Sunday nights are always depressing because the week ahead is always tough. However, tomorrow marks the first day of tai-tai hood (pirated one). So, no more work stress. Somehow, feeling a little insecured without a job yet but yearning for this break for so long. I may have earned from the encashed leave days from these 2 jobs this year but I never wanted it. I rather have ample rest so to walk the road longer with a clearer mind.

The coming week is packed with a few lunch and dinner dates and Zhirui wants to book me for breakfast date =p I will be running lots of errands too within the week as well. I want to finish doing what I need to do now in case (wishful thinking) a job offer will soon fall onto my hands. Staying hopeful.

2011-11-09T00:15:00.001+08:00

I got this present for my Japanese colleague who came to Singapore to help us with the first month end closing post closure of the merger. She's very nice as compared to that idiot jappo who only know how to use vulgarities on us. If she was the person who had helped us (or rather me) during the data migration phase, I probably have a reason to carry on even with a lousy team and a pms boss. She probably could have given me the strength and the tolerant that I can accept a CFO who wants you to tie every single figure to 2 decimal places.

I mean it's ok... It's somehow fated that this job was never meant to be mine.

- Posted using BlogPress from Connie's iPhone

Location:Singapore

2011-11-07T23:00:00.001+08:00

Counting down

When I head to office tmr, it's effectively 9 working days to my last day at work.

This is the most dreading notice period I ever served! Imagine I was working till 11am, to hold urine till 2 pm plus for the last few days.

I hate it when the boss took it for granted that I should be working late and hand over my duties encompasses brain storming on how my successor should have it easier after I go. Come'on, I only have myself when I started from zero help with thr raw and rubbish data. I may be nice but that doesn't mean I can be exploited. Boo!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Alexandra Rd,Singapore,Singapore

2011-11-01T22:36:00.000+08:00

Seriously, the whole world is either at early stages of their pregnancy, doing confinement or waiting to give birth! hahahaha

Is it the age thingy or people are just really contributing to the birth rate?

Anyway, I feel very excited for my close friends who are expecting. I really enjoy listening to their pregnancy and birth stories =)

2011-10-24T21:37:00.000+08:00

I have not been writing regularly which was very much attributed to the unexciting life that I have been having the last few months.

I finally tendered again and I swear I am not taking it back already. Obviously, this is not a good time to quit without a job in the current job market. I reckon it should take me some time to get one with x'mas and cny back to back. Seriously, the more I think and worry, its not going to bring me anywhere. I need to have family planning soon but with the current workplace, its not going to help. Hence, I need to find a job so I have time to settle in and think proper for family planning.

I am totally exhausted, more of mentally. Office politics, unhelpful team, unreasonable overseas colleagues and bosses that make you go stressful for no reason. Funny thing is, I did not regret joining this place. I learnt a lot, not in the technical aspect but more of realising the extreme human behaviors. Of course, still thankful to my boss who brought me in. She told me she regretted joining and for my regret, I should have given myself more choices when I decided to leave my previous company.

I don't have much career luck. I don't need a career but a job/company that can place my interest - work life balance.

2011-10-04T22:40:00.000+08:00

Amazing - These were drawn by the elephants

2011-09-23T23:41:00.000+08:00

A little rough, thorny road

I wrote a little rough....yes a little because it meant for myself that I have learnt to see open (?) let go (?) in work. It was definitely a tough ride and some more tough ones rides ahead which may lead to nowhere and uncertainty best describes everything.

No matter what happen, be it a wrong choice right from the start, I am glad I was compensated in monetary terms. As how to ride along well with a little forward looking, I see how I endure on a month by month basis. Things change faster than I thought. Let's see when the merger happens next week, how bad can it be!

2011-09-15T23:16:00.000+08:00

I was away for a short vacation the past few days with my family. I wasn't looking forward because of my work, still.... I enjoyed myself and glad I was away because no matter what happened at work when I was away will still happen somehow even if I am in office.

I reached office early to clear the 90 emails that require actions this week and that sums up to be 2 working days to I-off those items in my to-do list. Halfway reading those political emails, I went to the ladies and had diarrhea (as if). That was a result of stress and I sat at the toilet bowl to cool myself down. No matter what, I won't die and what's the big deal if I have to lose this job? The sky is not going to fall on me ya?

2011-08-25T23:10:00.000+08:00

Roller Coaster

It was definitely the worst consecutive 3 weeks I had in my entire career life so far. I wish nothing like this will ever happen again in my career path. It was sort of difficult to pick myself up in fact.

I tendered! I succumbed to the stress, extremely high expectations of the management and I cried in the toilet, carpark or even at my work desk when no one is around. I had enough and I admit I am no longer the once who can survive that 4 hours of sleep for 3 months in a row.

I appeared in office without a complete make up and wore flats that doesn't look professional at all. I can't even give a diplomatic smile in office, no mood to bring the counterparts for lunch and at times when I can't lunch with Ashley, I prefer to walk alone and eat alone during lunch time. My parents gave my very strong encouragement to move on that gave me the final decision to tender without a job. Father said its important to be happy and mum said money is not an issue (because I am bonded with the bank for buying me out from my previous company).

However, after saying so much, my bosses requested me to reconsider my decision. They postpone some of the workload to the next week (yah, I bet they will come chasing me again). They couldn't understand why I made such a decision when the data migration is soon to be over and the integration is coming to an end, needless to say, willing to pay a bond that I was forced to by the bank! There's one thing they do not know, its so difficult to meet their expectations!

2011-08-03T23:02:00.000+08:00

I was so bloody stress

6th month into my current job - I have learnt a lot. Be it the technical aspect or the human soft skill. I was really almost dying of stress. Yeah...almost. Haha

I didn't have such a bad time before, not even in audit where I had to meet the Audit Committee deadline. I guess this comes with the position I am in and who I am reporting to. It is tough for me, for someone who is not ambitious or who doesn't place career as top priority. What keeps me going is the pay check at month end. It satisfies a lot of other aspects in life as a result of that, sadly...yes, this is why I am holding on strong after 6 months. Another reason that plays a big part was I must have matured quite a bit to take on all these.

If you ask me or I ask myself if I am unhappy with this job or did I ever regret leaving my comfort zone to this challenging role, I would say I never regret for all past decisions. I am not deceiving myself - the learning progression is rewarding for now that I never felt much from my previous jobs before. I am still thankful to god, myself, my boss of the decision I made early the year. I see a change in myself - tolerance and maturity.

2011-07-12T23:49:00.000+08:00

Back from Grandpa's birthday celebration

We took the usual 8-9 hours of coach ride with my family to my mum's hometown in Malaysia last Friday night and reached Singapore 4.30am on Monday morning. Both to and fro rides were horrible as both of us were allocated the last seats which proved too much like a roller coaster ride!

Each return is always perfect with the following:

1) Must eat turnip rice rolls for supper;

2) Breakfast at a "kopitiam-alfresco" style at the main junction outside of my aunt's home;

3) Buy our favourite chilli sauce; and

4) Of course, the big birthday dinner feast for Grandpa's birthday!

It could be better if I have paid an annual visit to the legendary temple which my mum always has stories to tell. ALL thanks to my menses cramps which got me bedridden for a few hours. That reminds me I need to sought medical advice before the next round of discomfort. Sigh.

2011-07-01T01:00:00.001+08:00

I jinxed myself for saying I was pretty free from work and here comes all the late nights for the past few nights. I have just finished working in my bedroom and now wide awake on my bed. Luckily the friendliest companion is with me - iPad!

I have extreme sleeping problems. During the good times, I slept so soundly that I did not even realize it rained the night before. On bad times, the slightest sound like my mum in law opens her bedroom door in the middle of the night or when the maid sweeps the floor before the sun rises! That resulted me drowning myself with the caffeine during day time that I am trying avoid! I hate those caffeine stains.

At times when I find my life ain't moving together with my expectations is also when I loses sleep over them. Not that I am having a bad time (or having?) but more of very certain on the uncertainties at home. That's the cons of marriage - you live by making sure everyone around you is well before yourself. If I have the money, I wish I have a place of my own. But even so, it does not solve my problem, a problem that haunted me for years. I do not need any empathy (even from my own husband) and so what do I want?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Jalan Tiong,Singapore,Singapore

2011-06-26T21:53:00.001+08:00

Hubby's messy corner! If he can take a little time off from his reading time to pack his corner....

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Jalan Tiong,Singapore,Singapore

2011-06-21T23:05:00.000+08:00

Arteastiq Tea Lounge @ Mandarin Gallery

I love an afternoon tea session at a pretty place. The pretty place as defined in Arteastiq means colorful & dainty furnishings and I love how they serve the tea in those glass tea pots on a tray. I am those who gives in to those little details and will be very appreciative if the restaurants/cafes put in efforts like that. Yes, I am willing to pay a certain premium for those efforts =)

2011-06-20T18:57:00.001+08:00

6 years - Together

We dated on 21 Jun 2005 and during the 6 years, we have gotten married and leading a happy life now =) The next milestone, hopefully...We are convinced enough we can be very good parents and start a family real soon because the biological clock is ringing.

We did a mini celebration by taking time off from work to have lunch at Lawry's, had tea at Arteastiq Tea Lounge and did some household shopping like floor mats and bath towels (how boring). But it was nice la, the fact we do not have to work and beat the crowd in town.

Hubby asked me if I have anything to say to him @ the restaurant. I was caught surprise and I can only say I love him more than before. How shallow la though its true =p

Some things that I wish I can be more independent, less lazy and put in more effort like how a virtue wife should be? I hope I don't behave like a bimbo (?) to my hubby who chided me for not being able to switch off a Dyson fan, operate a DVD player and to know how to meddle with the usual Starhub cable channels and lastly, not to drop car keys in the drawer and only realised it at the carpark.

2011-06-15T22:53:00.000+08:00

Buy lots of shoes from that red paper bag

I have been running out of shoes, or rather the "any other brands" did not show mercy on my precious feet. I want to buy them in Italy!

2011-06-12T16:36:00.000+08:00

@ Graze, No.8 Martin Road

We took a Friday off from work last week to rest. Mr Fok has been complaining his leave days were usually utilised with holidays and holidays. We managed to spend the day wisely with a morning gym, nice dinner and a mini shopping trip @ Takashimaya. Even with my menses cramp that killed my few hours in the noon did not get me down, I had pedicure!

We are looking forward to 20th of the month, to have the same time off for rest. I have to complain and complain... really no more Italy trip in December? So much leave but not going? Sigh, Mr Fok promised a watch for me next year if his bonus is as good as before. Therefore, I can only pray for good news.

2011-06-09T23:36:00.001+08:00

Our little blue out for sale!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Jalan Tiong,Singapore,Singapore

2011-06-06T20:59:00.001+08:00

As we cruise further - 2011

Its the time again of the year, where you take stock of what have you done for the last half of the year. Reality checks, reflections and how to move forward all over again or to continue with the same goals, priorities or whatever I have promised myself for this year. A recap of what I have expected from myself from the start of this year:

sharing happiness by doing more charity work
investing well
doing more exercise
having a healthy diet
saving more for my MSA account

I did my share of happiness early this year which I expect one more round of charity work in the next few months. I need to call the volunteers soon!

I did not adopt any new investment strategies but I did some thinking the last 2 weeks on this and I should be adopting a lower risk strategy coming July to grow my money. Same for saving more for my MSA account, I swear I will increase the amount in July with my new remuneration package.

Check to doing more exercise and having a healthy diet - I did not put on weight! *phew*

Adding 1 more aim:

Work

I never place my job (not career) on top of everything. Not that I am placing it now but its more of I think I should work harder in this kind of work environment/ situation that I am in.

I have been all the while thinking I am the sort of person who do not really care what people think of me. However, my current job makes me think otherwise. Actually, I do care. I care about how will people think of my work performance and attitude. Mid year review this Friday, I kinda scared of negative feedbacks from my boss. Meanwhile, I have to Friday to think what I expect myself to contribute and how should I see myself grow in the coming 6 months.

2011-06-01T23:36:00.000+08:00

Our little ride

We named the car little blue because it was a small car. I was all the while complaining about having a hatched back car that could fit the 2 of us which seem bigger than the car.

4 years ago, Mr Fok shortlisted miserably 2 car models in his shopping list and this little blue wasn't even one of the shortlisted ones. It only took him one persuasion from his ex-boss and approximately a few days to buy a car while it took me years of naggings!

4 years later, we abandoned little blue at a good price of 43k. Wah, I felt the emotional detachment man! It's only a car leh! What's more, I sort of complained about the car for fun for the past 4 years. In fact, its an economical car which doesn't cost us much in maintenance. With the little loan we took, we are almost finishing the repayment in a matter of months.

Anyway, let's welcome the new ride - Its big blue!

2011-05-20T00:28:00.001+08:00

Last night in HK and currently packing in progress. The heaps of documents are driving me nuts and I wonder how to digest them before next Monday for another battlefield.

We were still deciding to work through the night and go in at a later time but we are simply too shag from all the meetings and handover. I wonder how many brain cells were used up for the past days. Anyways, we are catching the last flight back to Singapore. We'll be checking in early to chill, shop and work before we catch the flight.

As mentioned in my previous post, we managed to grab a piping hot tai cheong egg tart after lunch and before heading to the next meeting destination. Yes!

- Posted using BlogPress from Connie's iPhone

Location:Bonham Strand,,Hong Kong

2011-05-17T00:49:00.000+08:00

Heading Hk in 12 hours time. Hopefully this business trip is a smooth sailing one. I'll be meeting like 20 pax there and its quite worrying how to digest information from these 20 pax in 3 days and to bring those finance functions back to Sg office. Let's worry there la.

The above picture is supposed to be near my hotel but reading map is not my forte. Let's see if I can grab a piping hot tai cheong egg tart if I ever manage to find the place! I won't be expecting myself to indulge there since its a business trip with lots of agenda. Then again, pretty hopeful I can do shopping at night and I know I'll be busy doing lots of work documentation at night in the hotel.

We committed a 6 figure item today, going to fork out 5 figure sum in 1 or 2 weeks time, so be mindful of my spending. I have decided not to buy that watch and forgo the year-end holiday. I hope I keep this promise, if not hubby says he will never be rich.

2011-05-07T20:22:00.000+08:00

Vote for change, not for previous glory

Seriously, I did expect myself to

1) Stand for 3.5hours with huge crowd;
2) Stand and walk on muddy grounds to watch a rally;
3) Be so angry with my own government; and
4) Now staying at home waiting to watch the live results.

Last night, my group of PAP supporters told me:

1) She has benefited from this system and is very happy with life. She has PAP to thank for. She says its ok to be selfish to think this way. I personally aim to be a better person, so I won't be thinking just for myself.

2) We are enjoying every bit of life, aren't we happy now? I told her, I wouldn't mind if my offsprings can enjoy like we do now and not having to worry the high costs of living.

I can't force my opinions on others, neither anyone can affect me with their opinions. No matter what the outcome is, they know they can't be as arrogant as before. Singapore is a country and not a company.

2011-05-04T00:21:00.001+08:00

Holidays and breaks

I am very tired with my work. Its only 2 months and I have already used more brain juice than my previous job. I can't imagine I am saying this for the first time - I have ample leave days! 22.5 days to be exact, that's a lot after pro-rating.

Last Saturday, I managed to make a trip down to the tour agency with my mum's vouchers to find out the terms and conditions. Unfortunately, the agency does not do any US packages. Nevermind, my mum changed her mind also, Osama is dead and so, to stay clear of states. Hence, changing to down under. It has been 10plus years that I went also.

With the balance of leave days and having the need to take compliance leave, we might be heading to the original planned Italy dream end of year! IF we are taking SQ, we will be flying to Paris for a short one first since there are daily flights to Paris, if not budget a bit, we will travel via Emirates, not too bad la!

2011-05-02T00:57:00.000+08:00

We just came back from the 3 hour rally with Workers Party @ Yishun Stadium and a super late dinner at Upper Thomson. I couldn't imagine myself standing for 3 straight hours at a rally and not a concert, bearing the heat and crowd also.

In 2001, I was 6 months away to 21, 2006 was a walkover and now 2011 I am in Tanjong Pagar GRC. Meaning, I do not have to vote. Just across our block, its Radin Mas GRC and so 2nd brother, 1st time in his almost 30 plus yrs finally got his chance to vote.

I was never too much in politics because I was pretty comfortable in my own way/life. However, thinking for myself was kind of selfish because I once said that I would love to share happiness around to the less fortunate.

You might think what's the hype about all the complaints on the GST hike, rising property prices and ERPs and all these have brought Singapore "wealth", aka going into the wrong pockets. Yes, with my earning power, there's no fuss about paying that extra tax for my daily spending, deducting that few bucks from my cashcard everyday and what the heck of not owning any property since I am pretty comfortable with the debt free situation I am in. How about those poor folks? Ever thought for them?

I am angry for the fact there's a serious income disparity existing in this society. Where has the increased GDP translated to? That $600 just months before the "happening" day? To me you, did the 600 make us any richer?

Anyhow, all these are my own opinions and thoughts. I can't control how leaders rule the country, but me, as a person, a human (because I always aim to be a better person) ought to be sharing my happiness.

Still, I am proud to be a Singaporean. I am still thankful for being the lucky ones to survive well in this society.

2011-04-30T01:00:00.000+08:00

11 months ago, I was standing at Marrakesh's Jamaa el-Fnaa square. it was mid-noon where there were lots of caucasians hanging around the cafes and locals making a living with their traditional snake performance at this one of the busiest place in Marrakesh. Today, the freaking incident robbed 16 lives and the beauty of the place was tarnished overnight.

2011-04-23T22:26:00.000+08:00

This yummy cake was taken @ High Society Cafe - Marina Bay Sands. The agenda for the trip to MBS was to check out the price of my watch so I can do a match with the price in HK. At the same time, I went to check out whats the color now for Chanel. Maybe its age, the excitement of checking out whats in-store is not there anymore, or probably Chanel is seriously getting to common in Singapore. I had a male friend who posted this in Facebook - "Chanel is the next LV". Wa lao, I really agree lor.

2011-04-18T20:30:00.000+08:00

Hong Kong - for the 2nd time in 2011

I will be heading to Hong Kong next month. However, this time round its for work and hopefully some shopping. Heh. I will be checking prices for watches and my usual favourite H&M. Also, lots of Clarins slimming products! hahaha

For work wise, I wonder if 3 days is enough. Hence, I will be doing the detailed agenda for this business trip tomorrow and hopefully I have the time to pen the agenda.

Work is getting tougher and I have brought work home today. I refused to work now but will have to do it after my drama serial later. Its like, if I don't get it done by tonight, I am dead. Thanks to the townhall event just now, I could have stayed in office to finish my work!

2011-04-06T22:59:00.002+08:00

Count my blessings

When things do not progress as smoothly as you thought.... when you accept them with a pinch of salt, blessings multiply.

- Posted using BlogPress from Connie's iPhone

Location:Alexandra Rd,,Singapore

2011-04-04T22:52:00.002+08:00

Oh no...

I left work at 745pm and bumped into 2 young and pretty colleagues at lift lobby. They were heading for dinner and to be back office for more work. The point is, not about the dinner and late hours in office but what I want to say is, they are so young! At that instance, I felt like a DA JIE (big sister) when I ended the conversation with, "Don't stay up too late in office".

I have to admit, age is catching up real fast. Everyone around me says that too because at my age, people are asking persistently when is the small one coming up. Seriously, I am not at all bothered and very much willing to tell them my stand about not having kids now. I KNOW kids can bring lots of joy but I am currently very happy with my life. Let me enjoy the abundance of freedom now.

Back to the young gals - It was kinda depressing to have many young BOYS and GALS energized running (literally) in office. I look at myself, though I may not have any wrinkles (thanks to the super expensive facial treatment), I guess its my dressing that make me look more matured than others? So hubby says stop carrying THAT C bag loh..What I want to say is...THAT C bag is the next LV because youngsters are so rich nowadays!

2011-04-03T21:10:00.001+08:00

A healthy weekend

This weekend has proven to be one of the best in terms of working out in the gym. For both days, we woke up 9plus in the morning and we hit gym after a light breakfast at home. Here we are, ending the weekend with muscles aching all over despite regular exercises. Why ah?

After gym, we headed to Broun Cafe at North Canal Road for a healthy wholesome lunch. How I wish we can always keep it up like that weekly. However, because we had too healthy food during the day and even for dinner, we ended up with desserts at House. Needs time to adjust ok!

2011-03-28T23:15:00.000+08:00

The very greedy me!

I mentioned before I lost 2kg before started this job. Sadly, into my 4th week working here, I gained back 1kg. When I am stress, I snack. It takes no effort to say NO to a basket of snacks in front of me. I didn't buy them but my team did. And so, hubby bought me muesli bars as a replacement. Its only 90calories per bar. How healthy. For breakfast, I normally don't eat the healthy breakfast that my maid prepares and the night before, while preparing what to wear for the next day, I have already thought of what's for breakfast! That briefly sums up why the 1kg gained. The next explanation was the usual 5 days of workout that turned into 2 or 3 workouts per week. I guess this is better than not doing exercise. I could have gain more.

Here's my current favourite, orange cake from Arteastiq. Very delicious can!

2011-03-27T22:09:00.000+08:00

Here comes the Blues

Sunday evenings are pretty sad because it means weekend's over. It does not help if you are spending the Sunday reading work materials so you can be better equipped for the work week. Sometimes I ask my myself, did I make the right move? Why did I choose money/prospects over easy job? Not saying that my previous job was easy but I was already very used to laze and work combination then.

I won't look back because I know I won't be happy either if I don't earn/work hard enough before I have a complete family. Then again, how long can I survive in this war/battle environment?

I chose this path and have to walk this path with lots of care in case I lose it along the way.

2011-03-21T23:01:00.000+08:00

Work & Personal......

Work is getting tougher as the days go by. Today, which is also my 3rd week here, the progress is getting slower because of the red tapes. This is very demoralising because you do not know when will this migration ever ends? As long as I don't see any light in the tunnel, I can't even plan any leave to rest, let alone planning for holidays which I promise my mum earlier.

Last night, I told mum we should change our destination to States because of the crisis Japan is going through. Anyway, its a long way to go so we have lots of time to choose our destination.

I am not sure of the reason behind my exhaustion at work. Lack of the usual 5 times a week in gym or because I started this job abruptly after I ended my notice period in the previous job. The last that I want to think of is age is catching up on me.

We have a new joiner today and as such, makes it a mummy team and can you imagine the constant nagging from them? I know this is RIGHT age, BUT not the RIGHT time because work is so stressful for now. When the business as usual is up, I can consider but really not now. I am not ambitious at all and career was never placed on my top 3 priorities in life but somehow, its so difficult to find a reasonably well paying job with relax/slow paced job scope.

2011-03-19T18:20:00.000+08:00

Sift @ HK

2011-03-16T23:44:00.000+08:00

Hong Kong 2011

We did a pretty last minute trip to Hong Kong when I knew I am going to tender officially - because I know its really hard to do a break before the switch. That's what I like about last minute trip - you do not have to do so much countdown! It had been 7 years since I last visited Hong Kong.

My first time to Hong Kong was year 2000 with my bunch of friends and we did a countdown for Christmas. It was memorable because its my first holiday trip via a flight without my family. At that age (that era), such an experience was a bit difficult to come by and my friends were pretty envious that my parents actually allow me to do so.

The 2nd time in Hong Kong was in 2004 when I have already started working. This time was with another bunch of friends. It was bloody hot and humid plus polluted! I swear I won't return Hong Kong during summer. Then, either we did not know much about technology or it did not cross our mind on the food research, we ate "not very Hongkie" food.

The 3rd time definitely the best ever - with hubby and we flew by SQ A380 and we booked a boutique hotel which cost us $340 per night. Luxurious for a supposed budget holiday! The only thing that remains the same as my previous 2 trips - As crowded as ever!

This time round, I did more shopping and lots of stock up for the beauty products that Sg is selling for much more! Also, did lots of research on where to eat and what to do.

2011-03-09T23:40:00.000+08:00

My first day of work

I started my first day on my wedding anniversary, how memorable.

I would say its a tough job, stressful one and hopefully I can survive at the end of the day. There are a lot of first time for this job. Be it industry, job scope or whatever (which I can't think of now), I went back to think why did I accept the offer? Money and competitive edge. If I hold on tightly to why did I accept the offer, probably its easier to motivate myself to go to work and trying my best to perform well.

Then I start doing comparison to my previous job. I gave up morning gym sessions, the once in a lifetime experience in those luxury stays, being able to co-ordinate/control my knock off time and the flexibility of doing certain things (because its not so red tape). Then it came the very petty comparisons like being near home so I can sleep till 815am if I don't go for morning gym, being able to drive to work as and when I like and long hours lunch with my favourite lunch partners.

My current workplace is highly regulated which upsets me because I can't trade in shares as and when I like. That's very sad can. It robs my wealth! Sigh. Also, managing politics which were what I was told of on my first day of work further upsets me because I am totally innocent when it comes to this. I need to grow up in order to stay competitive as an employee!

I guess over some time when I am moulded into the environment, those comparisons or rather the petty ones at least, will go away.

2011-03-07T22:16:00.000+08:00

Our 2nd year anniversary as well as my first day of work.

Let's not talk about work - its a bit depressing for the time being.

We had a dinner celebration at CUT by Wolfgang Puck @ MBS last evening. Dinner was great so does the bill. Haha. Thinking 2 years back, when were busy with drinking with Ernest's bunch of friends that made us bloody drunk and we were going around the tables taking photos which made us bloody tired also. Anyway, they were good memories =)

The past 2 years were pretty exciting, we went through a bit in the beginning and subsequently, I am glad I have been pretty drown in happiness =p Love how we are till now and thankful for the great hubby I have =)

2011-03-06T22:39:00.000+08:00

Tmr will be my first day of work - Not sure how will it be like. What's more worrying is my mother in law's health condition. Don't want to think about it so much, I cross my fingers first.

2011-03-05T23:41:00.000+08:00

Progressing...

I bid farewell (sadly) with my favourite workplace of all companies I have worked before upon graduation. I won't say they have the best benefits, well remunerated but its a place full of lovely bunch of people that I will greatly miss.

Of the places I have worked before this, I never had a chance to do a cross department lunch everyday and hence, we never put work frustrations that much on lunch table. That's how I like, they make me look forward to work and we beat Monday blues together.

It was my last day of work yesterday and unfortunately I had to spend the Saturday in office to do the final bit. I worked long hours during my notice period and got angry with myself, disappointed with myself at the same time. I cried badly the moment I got into my car and cannot understand why am I so dumb to slog to such extend. I lost 2kg in less than 2 weeks for the hours I slogged. Total exhaustion.

I was forced to understand how people feel for my departure, making the team a little upside down when I tender. I have indirectly made my boss to beg me to extend my notice period and I had to do a heartless rejection. I am more of disappointed with him rather than angry because he did not give me a proper close, because I was impatient or probably I did it before he could. Seriously, I thought things could have been better if its handled more maturely by all parties.

As for the need to move on for better career prospects, better remuneration, better learning progression, I hope I embrace changes well. I need to grow up more and faster in fact.

2011-02-27T21:11:00.001+08:00

3rd day @ Hongkong - loving it!

We are currently dining at a jap restaurant at the newly open mall - The One @ Tsim Sha Tsui overlooking the skyscraper of Hongkong. Perfect weather, perfect company - that's the way how a holiday should be!

Here's 2 pictures to share while waiting for our food!

- Posted using BlogPress from Connie's iPhone

Location:Carnarvon Rd,九龍,Hong Kong

2011-02-23T22:44:00.001+08:00

I have been serving 4 weeks of notice period and only know today that my last day has been finalised. Shit. This is absurd right? I chased my immediate superior for my last day and he said why am I like dying to leave and not behaving like how a manager should behave. Pukes big time. Imagine having served 4 weeks and not knowing when is your last day and your future employer has to keep calling for the start date. They must be thinking I am acting like some big shot lor, buy me out and I am still taking my own time. Sigh.

As much as I have the contractual rights to buy out myself...(I mean I will be reimbursed for the amount that I use to buy myself out) and as responsible as I can be, to be diligently slogging and not chilling... I don't need a THANK YOU but at least don't sound like I owe my bosses can.

Not like I did not work when getting paid and not like I am not paying them for early release from the 2 months notice (that sound forever). And so, I should be chilling from now till my last day and throw my team drowning in the midst of year-end closing? Sitting on the fence and don't know how should I be reacting actually. Hard to be good or hard to be bad?!?!?

2011-02-21T00:17:00.000+08:00

Valentine's day - Nothing but a gimmick

Mr Fok appeared in my office with a bouquet of flowers early in the morning when I was still gym-ing. My colleagues made the comment, "oh, its been a while since I last saw him with cakes or flowers". Haha. Appreciate the thoughts but not the money spent. I wonder how much extra mark-up he paid. My mum was still reminding him not to spend money on flowers the day before.

I remembered our first valentine's dinner at Bakerzin @ City Hall and it was a mad rush dinner. I had to be back at my client's office slogging till past midnight. Probably it was a bad (good?) start that we never have an intention to celebrate such occasion. 2nd year - Its still the same old story, slogging in office and so, never celebrated. So on and so forth...

But this year was slightly different, we left home at 915pm to beat the valentine's crowd and we went to nearby Dempsey for desserts! No surcharge no unreasonable markup!

2011-02-18T23:09:00.000+08:00

Chinese New Year ended yesterday with Mum cooking a feast and the final Lo-Hei for the year. I feasted almost every other day and luckily, with all the efforts in gym-ing I maintained my weight - Luckily. Its so difficult to keep eating and keeping fit at the same time - Low metabolism at fault. We spent a lot for this Chinese New Year, be it ang baos or the food and its time to save - Be thrifty for rainy days.

What's after Chinese New Year will be our short vacation to Hong Kong and then continue to work till I switch over to my new job!

2011-02-03T10:19:00.000+08:00

Something out there...

I have tendered my resignation towards the end of Tiger year with mixed feelings. Looking forward to a much challenging and tough role in my next job and at the same time I hate to bid farewell to my current bunch of friends I have made over the 3 years.

Indeed I was very comfortable in my current job and it pays good enough for my notorious spending. Also, the perks that brought lots of once in a lifetime experience stays at those luxury resorts.

I would say if I am contented with things that came along in my life, I am very blessed to have met the right people who brings me to what I am and what I have today.

I remember I said I was 2 years away to Big 30 and now its less than 2 years already. I guess its time to step out of comfort zone and carved something out there before turning 30. Even if the coming job may not turn out well, am all prepared for the stress. There's no turning back and I have to do well this time.

Enough said, I am still wondering when can I be a tai-tai ok....

2011-01-29T10:26:00.000+08:00

As if problems not enough....

I sort of having very bad feeling that certain crisis is coming up in my own family. That is what I hate, things not within my control and I have to let it happen. Where are the mitigating factors? I would strongly believe if someone can listen to me how a happy should work things would have been easier. Its easier said than done, why people so reluctant to be better person? Why is it so hard to get facts and rights drilled into their brain? Why do you have to cause unhappiness to ALL members of family? Why and why...

Finally, why can't they know there are someone less fortunate out there and better treasure what they have now?

Then I think am I expecting too much from people? Because I have been quite blessed and I expect no one should intrude this happiness of my own?

2011-01-26T23:30:00.000+08:00

I skipped gym today because I was just too tired to get out of bed. Also, with the loss of 0.8kg did reward myself additional 30minutes more sleeping time this morning. I swear I hit the gym tomorrow first thing in the morning when I reach office. Give me a light lunch tomorrow because we will be heading to Cova for dinner!

2011-01-23T22:33:00.000+08:00

Hey busy weekends!

The past few weekends were really packed. From wedding celebration, baby shower to the preparation work for the upcoming Chinese New Year in early February.

We sent our car for a wash today. Everytime without fail, we would curse and swear for the super wrong decision to sign the car wax package. Super waste of money and we don't send the car for washing that often. We have about 6 months left with finishing off the package and will not continue! Somemore, we are not car lovers. Bad choice.

Next week, it will be an early reunion dinner for both Mr Fok and my own family. I am not at all worried about my mum's side. She alone can whip up a great feast for the whole family =) For Mr Fok's family, its a combine efforts among us, I wont be doing the cooking and its more of assisting my maid =p Normally its the other way round in other families, I know. Totally looking forward. To add, on the usual Sunday grocery shopping, we bought lots of CNY goodies to enjoy together after the reunion feast and for CNY itself.

Let's welcome February soon! A month of celebration and we are travelling to Hong Kong to sum up the fabulous February. So much to look forward to!

2011-01-18T23:33:00.000+08:00

I just did an impromptu (or rather forced to) spring cleaning at my bathroom, so bloody tired. When I took out my stuff, I saw dirt particles, must be the pipe leakage or what. Very frustrating to happen at this hour.

I am already sibei sian that things are kept in such a manner that I am still not used to. I just complained to hubby that I totally have no such problem back at my mum's home for 20 years though the place was smaller and sharing spaces with 2 sisters that seem to be tougher ain't no tough at all compared to being here.

I realized lots of stuff was over bought, so bloody angry for wasting so much money. Now I am not sure if the shelf life of these items are over or not. Very pissed!

From packing the kitchen over the weekends to that impromptu spring cleaning at my bathroom - I feel like throwing everything and start afresh. I just hope that a wardrobe should be a wardrobe, a storeroom should be a storeroom and a kitchen should be a kitchen. I really feel like moving out to a new place and if buying a new property now is not an issue....

2011-01-16T23:24:00.000+08:00

I could hardly shout cold in Singapore without being in air-conditioned room and hardly without the need on on my fan and enjoying the cold wind blowing in to our room.

Weather has really been quite chaotic these days. The snowstorm news that caused major flight delays to floods that swept many homeless in Australia. Heartbreaking.

Ya, when we complained how flash floods destroyed incomes and shops in Singapore, ever thought of people's home gone just like that because of the flood?

Amazingly, I sort of do not dread tomorrow, probably waiting for some good news after decisions decisions and decisions making for the past week. Good luck to me first!

2011-01-07T23:19:00.001+08:00

Ready for 2011?

7th day of 2011 and what have I thought of? I did not press myself to come up with a set of resolutions over the past few days but during quiet times, I did some thinking though.

As much as I am totally in love with my 2010, how can I keep it up for 2011? Continue to be aimless and to cruise along, basking in my own happiness? No, probably I need a change.

Last weekend, I did a charity event with Grace & friends. When I see how much $4k worth of necessities can help almost a block of elderly, I thought of why did I waste that $4k on a bag? I mean, not that I swear I will not buy the bag again, but I will not splurge within a short period of time again. 6 months back, to think I was struggling with getting another $4k for a bag which I did not in the end, I had better use the money for stocks investments and the returns is lucrative!

As I kept hitting the gym almost everyday or whenever I can, I guess this would be better combined with eating healthy. Cut down on simple carbohydrates, fatty food and fried food. I won't say more vegetables and fruits because I did have them in right proportion for meals =) Probably, to add on, to be careful of what I eat - I don't mind eating processed food but I guess its time to seriously consider avoiding them. These efforts will be also best combined with hubby's efforts because he loves unhealthy food!

Where finance sense is concern, I continue to hope for an upsize bank account! With the take home pay, the majority of it should be untouched. Hubby should get the hint. He earns more than me. Hahaha.

And so I conclude, by end of 2011 I will be able to achieve by:

sharing happiness by doing more charity work
investing well
doing more exercise
having a healthy diet
saving more for my MSA account

Cheers to ALL!

2011-01-03T23:42:00.000+08:00

We drank to welcome 2011

We did a pre-celebration among the few of us @ Maeda last Wednesday and got ourselves high that night and hangover in office the following day. Thanks to Pauline, I have learnt to drink sake, had the best sashimi and all those food I have never tried before - Cod's intestine.

3rd day of 2011, I am still unsure what's my resolution. For the past 2 years, I allowed myself to spend them without any resolutions and I cruised along till today, with no regrets (fortunately). Things within my control, I have done it best? For sure, things not within my control I took it well.

Anyhow, I ought to set certain goals (within reach) and some idealistic ones to have a balance. I have 2 more years for more commitments. There's no time to waste and I will come back with a proper set of resolution.

2010-12-31T17:28:00.000+08:00

Goodbye 2010

Seriously, I can't remember how was it last year this time. As in, what was I thinking? What did I hope for 2010 in 2009, did it came true? I only remember I was telling myself let 2010 be a "step-by-step" year.

Ok, 2010 came unexpectedly well and ended well. The only bad thing was my job, which I thought I should have ended it in early 2010 and then I learnt that I should take things maturely, complain less and decided to continue to JUST work. And so, I am still on the same job.

Other than that, life been pretty good with ups and downs here and there. Let it be part of your life, you will grow up more and better. Life's a package....

2010-12-28T23:23:00.000+08:00

Its never for real......

When we had dinner at the living room one day, we had the TV as a companion. Not the usual never-ending Taiwanese drama but a variety showing all the street snacks/food in Taipei. Mr Fok had a sudden thought - let's go Taipei again! I took it for real can (actually I know he don't mean it). I went to search for promotional tickets for fun and the JAL promotion to Tokyo has to keep appearing to tempt me! Ok, no cheap tickets to Taipei (I dun wa to take budget!) and it will be my 3rd time there, Mr Fok's 5th time there, so don't want to spend so much just to GO AND EAT and to pile the unnecessary calories. Mr Fok was kinda stressed for a moment that I looked so serious while doing all the research and were doing the calculations IF we were to go Tokyo for that few days. Ok, dream is over. I can't go also lor, no need to do THAT bloody year-end closing meh.

Then I kept looking at my holiday pictures, many times in fact.

Westlake @ Hangzhou

2010-12-21T23:58:00.001+08:00

These trays were fresh from oven when we arrived at the factory.

The biscuits were simply delicious and Mr Fok had them for supper for the past 2 nites!

- Posted using BlogPress from Connie's iPhone

Location:Jalan Tiong,Singapore,Singapore

2010-12-20T23:42:00.001+08:00

First of all, I have not written anything on my Hangzhou trip last month. Too tired, so a picture of the reception area of Amanfayun for a peek first.

I just got back from a weekend in Malaysia and only reached Singapore at 5am today. Super tired, feeling nauseated at the same time. I slept the day away to recuperate. Hopefully, all ready to be back in office tomorrow.

2010-12-15T23:34:00.000+08:00

The Fok kids and the Christmas log cake!

Oh my! It felt like we had the christmas dinner not too long ago and time simply passes just too quickly! Sounds cliche, but its so true. The kids grow way too fast too. Yijie was a baby and now a toddler who still melts everyone's heart. Enyi grew so tall that she is almost catching up Jiayi who is 3 yrs older than her! Jingyi has progressed to her teens and is very into pop songs now.

I am very glad that we are still having constant contacts with each other till today, keeping very close updates with each other too. For 3rd bro & family, they are trying to look for a place that is near all of us. Reason being, the journey home from work is simply too time consuming and the opportunity cost is not being able to spend quality time with their kids. I can understand their frustration, I stayed the extreme end in Singapore before for 20 odd years and can never tolerate the time spent on roads especially on busy days when traffic jam happens. I am glad we are staying where we are now and totally appreciate it! Mr Fok loves to boast about that to me (because I have him to thank lor) and he refuses to stay out of the current vicinity!

2010-12-10T23:50:00.000+08:00

2011 - Where's next?

December 2010, the very much celebrated month for most is coming to an end in 3 weeks time and I will open my arms wide to welcome 2011.

I know I repeated myself like million times about my travelogue but it deserves to be mention again! After leaving my footprints in 7 cities and 1 island for the first half of the year, I continue to leave my footprints for the 2nd half! However, the continuous flying from China to Bhutan kills me quite a bit, leaving me very exhausted and saying no to holiday for the time being.

Say only right, I sort of plan in my head where's next! As mentioned in my subject head, where???? I told my mum I will bring my dad and her out of Singapore in April or May. We have not decided where but I guess there are quite a few options. Mum is quite well travelled, she's now at Ethiopia. How exotic! If my father fly kite on us, probably I will visit Bhutan again. Doing the scenic rides, hikings, temple visiting and some charitable work if possible. If mum had not visited Bhutan, I would have suggested Bhutan!

2010-12-09T23:05:00.000+08:00

Oh, December 2010!

No doubt, November was well spent with almost 3 weeks in China & Bhutan, December is also gonna be a great one. For this weekend, we will be expecting our favourite guests - The Fok Family.

The annual reunion dinner at year-end is push forward to this Saturday because we will be away to attend a cousin's wedding at Malaysia (I think Mr Fok is looking forward to the food there la). With regards to this Saturday, I am very happy to plan what's for the feast! Of course, I won't be doing the cooking, I have my maid to help. Since christmas is round the corner, we will be giving christmas gifts to the Fok kids as well. They will be under the tree for them to pick.

When we are back from Malaysia, the following weekend is Christmas! I love christmas! ALL the feast, gatherings and the beautiful lightings in town. How nice if Singapore snows!

2010-12-07T22:54:00.000+08:00

I turned 28 last month. The thought of being 28 yr old is like an irritating thought. 2 more years to big 30 is worse, as if a death sentence. I know wishing to be young forever is impossible and to be young at heart seems more practical.

Birthday wishes for the year increase, not that I am being greedy but I really hope for a better family harmony (my own family) this year round. By the end of year, our happy family continues to be what we used to be. Another one is, please let me lose 7kg more. So hard to lose weight and so easy to pile. From holidays to indulging good food at Bhutan, I am happy to announce I put on 0.5kg, much lesser than expected! I gorged too much bread & butter for the past 3 weeks, luckily they melted and went somewhere only to leave 0.5kg behind. ahahhahah

2010-12-06T22:55:00.000+08:00

Taikang Lu, Shanghai

We headed to Taikang Lu for breakfast on our 2nd day at Shanghai and was very much attracted by the small craft shops at Taikang Lu. Indeed how Andy puts it - An arty farty place in Shanghai. On my stay at Shanghai, we wanted to go back to the place twice but the only disappointment was the lack of interesting eating places that interest us. However, we made 2 rounds before leaving Taikang Lu to Xintiandi on the same day.

2010-12-05T23:08:00.000+08:00

Cafe Godiva @ XinTianDi, Shanghai

I guess one of the most missed stuff from Shanghai was the 2 visits to Cafe Godiva. Mr Fok and I can't agree more that Cafe Godiva serves one of the best chocolate drink. In the drink menu, we were spoilt for choices, there were really too many to choose from. In the span of 5 days in Shanghai, we visited the cafe twice =) Yummy!

2010-12-03T23:30:00.000+08:00

Happiness when shared

I received an email from Choden (my Bhutanese colleague) today that my donations to the school in Gangtey has reached the school principal and the distribution will start when all the children gather on 17 December. How I wish I am there doing the distribution personally!

I have been very fortunate and I am not boasting about it. Just that, I have learnt how to count my blessings better. Most of the things I hope for has come pretty smoothly for me and there are even unexpected surprises. I thought happiness when shared would be more meaningful if I extend it to someone who needs it more than I do.

I engaged a few chats with the locals when I was in Bhutan. There were a few heartbreaking ones. When asked about their own hometown, one told me he needs to take a public bus (not our comfy coach bus that brings us to Genting) for 11 hours and he has to walk for 1.5 days to reach home. Just when we complained about how far is Jurong to the end of Singapore, think about how people need to travel that far without a proper mode of transportation because there were no proper roads in the first place!

When I describe Singapore to them, they said they hope and they believe that one day they will be out of their country to see what this world looks like! Think about how much holidays I've been and people out there are wishing positively that one day they can do so too.

When we complain about our own life, there are always people out there who get much lesser than what you have! Let's share the happiness when we can. Enjoy with someone who needs it too.

2010-12-02T23:24:00.002+08:00

Paro - The last stop

I am back in Singapore feeling exhausted. It must be the long 5.5hrs of drive from Punakha to Thimphu and then Paro on Monday where I had to work almost immediately after I got off the car, rushed for a quick lunch then to finish the last bit of work before I enjoy my last night in Paro. Before I could do much at Paro, it was a morning flight on Tuesday, transiting at Bangkok and back to Singapore which was already 11pm when home. Not to mention, back in office on Wednesday feeling suffocated with the piles of work on my table.

Thimphu was a short stopover for a toilet break and to bid my final farewell to my colleagues from Finance and all the way to the kitchen people who have show warm hospitality during my stay in Thimphu. I continued the drive to Paro for another 2.5hrs and I succumbed to my beauty sleep along the way!

I reached Paro and shouted silently to myself - Its FREEZING! I was at the same time welcome by the beautiful clear sky that was as if within reach. Beautiful!

Due to the short stay at Paro, I couldn't venture out more. Hence, I rose up early to walk around the lodge and enjoy the serene and the calmness Paro can offer to me. When I walked out from my room, I saw frost/snow covering the grass patches and the cars because it hit sub-zero the night before.

2010-11-29T22:38:00.000+08:00

The only weekend in Bhutan

I worked for half a day on Saturday at Thimphu and took on a scenic drive of about 3 hours to Punakha. Punakha is the least elevated in Bhutan, hence warmer. Absolute a perfect weather for outdoor activities.

I left the lodge before the sun rise at 6am for Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. I walked across the paddy fields, through the villages, the dirt road and up the mountain for 2.5hours. Extremely tiring but it was rewarding because the spectacular views, the pure air and the cocks cuckoo make life so simple suddenly. I totally agree with, its the Land of Happiness.

2010-11-28T13:55:00.003+08:00

In the Land of Happiness thoughts

When I was on my transit flight to Bangkok, I was telling myself I had enough of all the flying. Too much this year. From all the cities I have covered, were like taking travel revenge on those years I did not travel because of work and big savings plan.

I felt miserable without hubby by my side - I never travel alone before. I thought this trip could be better if hubby can come with me, sharing the breathtaking views with me and not enjoying alone. I felt very sad when I have to wake up at 4am to catch the connecting flight alone. ALL the stress of being to catch the flight early, to beat the language barrier and those actually unfounded worries.

When the plane was 30mins away from landing at destination, the plane flew past several peaks of the mountains that soar above the clouds and they are snow capped. How spectacular. I thought, why wasn't I making myself happy. Moods lifted and happiness multiplied in folds on my way from Paro airport to Thimphu.

4 days had passed and I was happy that I saw positive results from my work efforts here. I wonder if they remember what I've nagged about after I am gone. Anyways, unfounded worries again.

I am currently at Punakha lodge's library, chilling with my laptop because it connects me with the world and hubby of coz! Before this, I went hiking at 6am to visit a temple and soaked myself in bathub listening to my favourite songs. My colleagues at Thimphu are very nice bunch, they are driving 2.5hrs drive to meet me for lunch here. That's the warmth from Bhutanese. I am loving the place, the people, the sun and the cold weather!

Here are some pictures taken when we stopped over at Dochula Pass (3,140m above sea level) during the scenic drive from Thimphu to Punakha. It was a rocky and winding road and my usual motion sickness did not hit me! Must be the amazing views along the way because I was all excited to be driving and walking with the clouds! Ok, if not for the clouds I can have 360 degree view of Himalayas. Its either this or that la..

2010-11-26T20:47:00.001+08:00

I went for a morning walk for a good 15mins. I totally love the tall pine trees though the leaves have mostly fallen because it's winter.

- Posted using BlogPress from Connie's iPhone

Location:Motithang,Bhutan

2010-11-25T20:52:00.000+08:00

Pearl Orient Tower - view from The Bund

We spent our vacation last week at Shanghai & Hangzhou for 8 days. Shanghai was beyond expectations and Hangzhou's was a bit overrated for its beauty. Yes, its all about managing expectations. I had more expectations from Hangzhou as compared to Shanghai.

I am writing this from Bhutan, Thimphu. Its knock off time and I am still staying around the library because my room had no Wifi & TV entertainment. That's pretty sad. Also, there is Bhutanese music entertaining me! I am avoiding dinner because I really can't eat. Though its 2hrs behind Singapore, the meals time somehow got a bit corrupted. Same like I was in New-Delhi in April this year, my boss and I had the same feeling then.

How about asking me if I can have my maid's or my mum's home cooked food for dinner? I surely can eat! Gorge even! So its the food? Not that I do not appreciate the food here, its more of being away from Singapore for a while. Nothing beats home cook food.

On my birthday lunch, before I flew off I told Ernest that I only want fish soup for lunch and I was comtemplating should I ask my maid to be home earlier to prepare a lunch for me. I concluded I really love local food!

More pictures of The Bund to share here. This definitely was beyond my expectations! When we reached The Bund, the lights yet to light up. When we came out from Jean George, we were amazed and we strolled along to soak in the ROMANTIC atmosphere and enjoying a cool weather of 17degrees! How nice! I can't imagine I used the word ROMANTIC on China. Maybe too much stereotyping. hahahahha!

2010-11-11T21:43:00.000+08:00

The little Chanel family has a pair of new shades now. An advance birthday gift from Mr Fok because we won't be in Singapore in 1 day's time!

2010-11-08T23:01:00.003+08:00

The very happy shopper!!! Haha

The very busy shopper

- Posted using BlogPress from Connie's iPhone

Location:Lengkok Bahru,,Singapore

2010-11-06T00:37:00.000+08:00

Ash Park PS Cafe

We started the long weekends by having a nice lunch @ the new PS Cafe branch @ Ann Siang Road. It was full house so we have to seat around the lounge/bar area for lunch. Actually, it was quite disappointing because I was so looking forward to this branch, especially the chic decor that PS Cafe always offer. I super love the flowers arrangements and they are always in abundance around the restaurant, even in toilets! Mr Fok was dying to see how the dining area looks like but I prefer to keep it for the next visit =)

Personally, I never like seating on high chairs. I keep moving around, adjusting myself or the seat while Mr Fok was happily reading The Business Times, and yes smiling to himself even though he was complaining how his shares are not making money and mine is!

I simply love the lush greenery view while having my meal, can you tell that the greens are reflecting on my body! hahahaha

Like I said, I always like their flowers in the Cafe... How nice right. I even contemplated having flowers in my toilet!!! But the humidity KILLS my flowers in no time. So it can only be a thought. Anyway, chinese believes that toilet should not be that well decorated with posh lightings and flowers also.

2010-11-03T22:13:00.000+08:00

Happiness - Who got it most?

2010-11-01T23:09:00.000+08:00

About weight loss stress

All thanks to the chinese medicine and this evening primrose oil that got me into such mess - weight gain. What makes it worse was when I fell sick for 3 weeks 2 months back, the medicine (prescribed 3 times) made me go hungry (like a refugee?) most of the time. I had no chance to exercise because of the perpetual nose block then. Finally, I felt like killing myself when I knew I put on so much!

Ok, all those food blog entries does not play a BIG part because I did not consume ALL by myself. However, I think I should even avoid small bites because of my tendency of weight gain is like rocket fast. How unfair.

I have been diligently exercising for at least 4 times a week. The highest record was 7 days in a row I exercised. I have been doing that for almost a month. For now, the weight loss does not make any progression. Truly upset, I even thought of going gym before and after work, albeit SIAO? I remember I wasn't even that motivated for my wedding.

When I complained about being fat (FYI - Most of the time, I rank #1 among my close friends/acquaintances/colleagues for being the fattest), here are some comments from those who rank #2, #3, #4 etc..

1) I think you are not fat, needs to tone instead. OK!?!?!? Obviously I put on so much that how to tone before losing?!?!

2) When I have unhealthy lunch with them, I ate damn little while they gorged. Those gorged will then think you gorged too and go on trying to make you feel like you gorged too?!?!?

3) When you don't eat much, they try to make you eat. When you have the extra bite, they will tell you not to eat. I am certainly not confused, I think they are more.

4) When you try to confide in your weight gain, they go on confiding (or rather complain) with you how much that ONE kg they gained.

I am two weeks away from my holiday and overseas business trip, yet not looking forward because I can't exercise?!?!?

2010-10-30T00:27:00.001+08:00

Its a busy weekend ahead

I am left with 2 weekends and I will be gone for the rest of November and will only be back in December. There are quite a bit to achieve in these 2 weekends.

I have a lot on my mind but I guess it will be better to settle this weekend so as to have a clearer to-do list on the following week.

Tomorrow is already pack as follows:

1) Wet market marketing
2) Personal appointments
3) Stock up dried food
4) Donating old & used stuff to the poor
5) Find out more about my film camera
6) Buy Baby Yi Rui's cradle
7) Probably, send the dirty car for a good bath?

We will be back home by night and hubby got to rush off again to help a friend's Maths assessment (not sure what's that)!

2010-10-21T22:54:00.001+08:00

We had not visited Relish since our last visit in early 2009. The interior has changed, the central table of magazines is no longer there and replaced with tables. The whole place was structured in a way to accommodate more customers (hence, you see shorter queue outside the restaurant). The lightings were dim compared to the previous bright concept of Relish.

My crab meat linguine was a total disappointment because it smells real fishy and I only had 1/4 serving =( Mr Fok's breakfast burger was great. The pork patty was delicious with ample servings of mushrooms and baked beans. No usual fries which are so dem sinful! Definitely we will be back because I miss my Char Siew Burger - I must lose another 3kg first!

2010-10-18T00:10:00.001+08:00

Great weekend again

I had one of the most fun filled weekends again. It started with the Mira's birthday celebration on Friday night. I visited my favourite restaurant on Saturday and spent the evening with Ashley watching Letters to Juliet. Okay, this makes me very excited about going Italy next year, especially to Verona & Tuscany.

We supposed to go East Coast Park in the morning for a match make session of Cookie, Fluffy & Kimchi (they are dogs la), however, the stormy and rainy weather did not permit so. When the venue was changed to YY's house, it was kinda late for me to make a trip down. (I know the gals and dogs had fun!)

We did the usual groceries stock up (the trolley was almost filled to brim!) and to catch a movie - Eat Pray Love. Yes, the book that I have dumped aside because I was crazy over drama serials lately and I had not been able to catch the early morning bus to work so I can read my book @ Starbucks before going to work.

Watching Eat Pray Love reminds me some enlightenment in life that I have forgotten or yet to apply in life. Also, it motivated me more to finish my book so as to reinforce what I have watched and to learn. There were scenes filmed in Italy, making me really excited.

2010-10-11T21:59:00.000+08:00

Forty Hands @ Yong Siak Road

We have been exploring (?) or rather, really lucky (?) to chance upon many nice quaint cafes and eating places to make the weekends very interesting and yummy.

I really love my weekends because hb or myself always have stuff to occupy the weekends. A meaningful weekend to me comprises of chilling out at these cafes, doing marketing at wet markets, stocking up groceries, having dinners with parents, strolling at parks, even nua-ing at home can be considered too but it should not be overdone!

When we have the world to ourselves, reality sort of set in - Like, I kept asking myself when will all these last? Hmm.... Then I will tell myself, enjoy while it last. Hahaha.

Ok, Bhutan trip is more or less settled on the 8th Nov. I'll be back to Singapore on 12th Nov night and flying off again on 13th early in the morning. Sigh...its like packing my luggage for winter then autumn for the 2nd trip. I hate packing, really can't decide what clothes to bring because of the climate. More often then not, I never pack enough. It sucks.

2010-10-10T12:45:00.000+08:00

Mr Fok's birthday celebration

Very nice lobby @ Fullerton Bay Hotel

Loves the tall ceilings

Duck Confit - Reminds us of the dinners we had @ Paris

Mr Fok & his delicious beef

The Toast Cake!

I told hubby that I am soon running out of those birthday surprises for next year. Its even harder if birthdays fall on weekdays, making surprises arrangements tough. Hubby says I always outdo him with all these. Haha. He's very stress now.

And that hubby is a simple & thrifty man, he does not go for brands and even varieties. Like, 1 belt, 1 wallet, 1 watch, 1 key pouch except for the only splurge on making CYC good quality shirts and ample cuff links. So, it makes it very hard for me to buy presents for him. Next year how?

2010-10-09T00:53:00.001+08:00

Papa Palheta

Papa Palheta is a coffee retail boutique which specializes in roasting & serving specialty coffee. What makes them special - all coffee served are free and there's no menu for their coffee. Tell them the kind of coffee that you normally prefer and they make the right recommendations. They even share with you the coffee bean story. How nice. At the end of day, tip them for the amount you think they are worth!

I had an agenda for this visit, other than getting a nice cuppa on a rainy Saturday afternoon and also to get their coffee keeper which is directly imported from Australia. However, it ran out of stock the day before and they are not bringing in for the time being because of the strong Aussie currency. I will keep on waiting......

2010-09-29T23:47:00.001+08:00

One happy family - so cute :)

- Posted using BlogPress from Connie's iPhone

Location:Jalan Tiong,Singapore,Singapore

2010-09-27T23:11:00.001+08:00

Laurent Bernard chocolatier

@ Robertson Quay

Yummy yums! Goodbye to cakes till further notice. How sad when I see pictures like that...

2010-09-25T23:41:00.001+08:00

MoonCRAZE

I swear this is the last contributor to my weight gain. There's a quarter left in the fridge now which somehow stopped tempting me (fortunately). I gave one to my mum, shared 2 with Mr Fok and the Fok Kids had some of it. Let's share the happiness (calories)!

I was never a fan of mooncake. Mooncake used to be the last dessert temptation in my list but unknowingly it went up the ranks this year. So much so that I think of durian mooncake at work. Okay, I guessed have eaten almost a box worth of mooncake all by myself this year. I felt like killing myself for pigging out so much just on mooncakes.

With all the MOONCRAZE, I am on strict diet now. Say goodbye to the weight that piled on me!

2010-09-23T23:43:00.000+08:00

Did I do my part well? I got to be a better person.

We went for MIL's check up today at the new hospital @ Yishun. Okay, I can't remember the name. Its very very far, especially CTE is always bloody congested like anytime of the day? Luckily each follow-up is about 5 months apart. Yes...5 months. It used to be every 3 months but because of the ageing population, the wait is longer than usual.

MIL has bowel and bladder problems which is why she had undergone certain uncomfortable tests today. Dr Yap explained that MIL is already at the advanced stage of Alzheimer disease, and also, degenerated much faster than a normal dementia patient. This is largely due to the fact that the younger you get this disease, the degeneration is also faster than normal. Okay, I do not know what's the logic behind.

When Dr Yap asked a few questions about MIL's daily life patterns, I realized that I could not answer as readily as before. I sort of let go and let the maid handle since she's doing well with MIL. Dr Yap says that, at this stage that MIL is at, we need to do monitoring more and more attention should be given too. In the perspective of filial piety, probably I failed as a stay-in daughter in law.

The nurses gave an explanation about the bowel and urinary chart that we require the maid to do and explaining the different types of diapers available and which to use at which point of time or day. As she explained, I felt that it was quite cumbersome and what can more come in future? Why is it that I cannot be alone in the world of my own? How ready am I to accept more challenges or how to be a better person too?

2010-09-22T23:40:00.000+08:00

Mum's birthday @ Lei Garden

Mum's birthday celebration was held at Lei Garden, Chijmes last Sunday. Wishing mummy all the health and wealth!

Here are some pictures taken that day. Father finally got to see me using the DSLR he bought for me and tried snapping. Of course, the pictures he took did not turn out well =p

2010-09-21T23:31:00.002+08:00

Work (why does it occupies so much in our daily life!)

Ernest has been relatively busy these weeks because of the current engagement he is doing now. Relatively busy and not extremely busy. Mind that language.

The start of our career was to sell our life away @ work. Exaggerated? Its true. The BEST recorded time was working 36 hours straight without a wink. Imagine we did that for half a decade - slaved everyday as if there's no tomorrow.

Life enjoyment wasn't in my agenda. At times when I recall, I think it was kinda foolish. Probably that's the reason why I am enjoying whenever I can. Life appreciation. It has been 3 year since I last left the rat race, till today I still remember how I have slogged and sort of reaping what I have sowed now.

Little things like running errands to buy fruits for tomorrow's praying can be enjoyable, rushing to florist to get flowers too, fetching the tired & starving hubby from work too. Even trimming my mother in law's fingernails can be a simple enjoyment when you see that she has a nice set of clean and trimmed fingernails. All these wasn't achievable in that miserable 5 years of rat race.

And so....when Ernest says he's busy at work, I gave him a gentle reminder that at least you no longer bunk in office! Not that extremely busy! A little motivation for him...

2010-09-19T18:07:00.000+08:00

Breakfast @ PS Cafe, Harding Road

We went to send our car for servicing and intended to walk from Leng Kee to Dempsey. However, the sun was scorching hot, we took a bus to Ridley Park and took 20 mins to walk to PS Cafe for our breakfast. How hardworking...

What I like about PS Cafe is not about the food but the place itself. I like the idea of the place being tucked away from town, as if hidden in the lush greenery, the smell of the lilies at the entrance and the general crowd(?).

And not to mention, we walked home, under the scorching hot sun...with brolly of course! At times like that, I do not mind a sudden pour. Walking in the rain, I never tried before though.

2010-09-17T22:33:00.000+08:00

@ Ochre Restaurant (Orchard Central) - A date with my girlfriends

I know entries like this seems like I am turning my blog into a food blog. Haha. That's what Natasha commented. I told her if there's any that makes her drool, she needs to shortlist them. I'll will be her food tour guide when she's in Sg for a visit!

2010-09-16T00:06:00.001+08:00

Its time to move on.......

It's almost 2.5 yrs since I joined my current company and I had gone through 2 cycles of year-end with them. The 3rd round will happen from January till March 2011. At the same time, will it mean, its time to move on to another level?

Its always back to the same question - What do I want? For now, I still do not have an answer. What do I not want? - I realise I do not have an answer too. Hmmm....I guess I lack of the confidence? Not sure.

My Bhutan trip has not been confirmed but I only know its early Oct. Can tell me quick which exact dates please? Sigh, I am afraid to miss my hb's bdae, a frd's ROM and my bestie going to deliver around that period. I do not want to give all these a miss.

I hate to travel for work. Because it means, not having Mr Fok by my side everyday......I know it sounds a bit mushy but we are indeed dependent of each other =p

2010-09-13T22:36:00.000+08:00

A Change...

I did a major facelift for my blog. I've been wanting for a change, even the blog address but I didn't. Anyway, I can't think of any alternative names for the blog address too.

Being a typical girl/woman, pink is normally the first choice. However, its quite difficult to give my photo that is published at the blog head a perfect match. Hence, blue is the next favorite.

As time changes, I guess the picture should change because there are just too many choices for pictures. The blog head picture is taken @ Montmarte, Paris. Same for the picture on the left. However, Ashley has to say that it was some Redhill residential...Josephine thought it was some China picture....Darren says its taken at Morocco (this is better). Okay, Mummy Kris got it right, she said she could tell its taken at Paris! In addition of being the best guess, she did photoshop to my picture to better reflect the vibrance of the picture/place.

I have also removed my "Gossips" column because there are just too many virus links! How unfriendly right! Will put the cbox back some time later.

2010-09-10T12:48:00.001+08:00

Once upon a time....there's once upon a milkshake.... *burps*

- Posted using BlogPress from Connie's iPhone

Location:Scotts Rd,,Singapore

2010-09-07T23:07:00.001+08:00

At 1 Caramel.......

We have visited 1 Caramel since its opening but we have only clocked 3 times there. This also shows how long we have not watch movies at Cathay (Its easier and more convenient to drop by).

At 1 Caramel, we have never given Strawberry Shortcake a miss. Me, simply loves sipping the Geisha tea away on a Sunday afternoon....

2010-08-31T22:54:00.000+08:00

Ichibantei @ Robertson Quay

Robertson Quay has been our favourite hangout place lately. Firstly, there are ample restaurants for you to pick, its not as crowded as town, its near our home, parking is free on Sundays and its basically just a different place from most places. And so, for the time being, we won't be running out of places to dine and to chill!

2010-08-28T00:06:00.001+08:00

For the love of freedom....travel...

Since the decision of no-rush family planning was made, holiday plans keep coming up. Keep it up! This also means, how are we suppose to plan in order not to jeopardise work performance, financial resources and so on... Because the world does not just belong to the 2 of us..we need to consider a few factors.

We are 2.5 months away to a short holiday - Ok, so far we only booked air tickets, accommodation yet to book. Probably I hate chinese characters, makes it so hard myself to digest the road names even though its offered in hanyu pinyin. I do not wish to spend too much for a holiday like this, I've been scrimping on hotel accommodation yet, wanting one with good location and at least proper place to sleep.

If accommodation is not fixed, I have not plan where to go! 2.5 months seemed far anyway. It should be a pretty relaxed holiday, so...take it easy. However, I swear that I listen to advices that the weather should be pretty cold in November and I should be wearing enough. I mean, enough in the sense I won't be weird wearing the least when the weather is cold. Just like in London, I can remember how bitter cold it was.

I'll be attending a baby shower tomorrow, hopefully I won't be guilty of the decision made for no-rush family planning. Hmmmph...Will I? Actually, when I bought the baby gift from my favourite shop (Chateau de Sable), I felt how nice if I am shopping for my own baby? Oops.