Emotions

"I was made to thread the water, and now I have gotten in too deep"

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Changed Look: The Blog

Thinks it's time the blog takes on a new look as i start to prepare to embark a new phase in my life- Marriage.

Yesterday marks a really interesting, thought-provoking event as the fiance and I attended the Pre-Marriage course. I added in my facebook profile that i felt like " Mr and Mrs Smith" because we spent 8 hours on this couch with the counsellor/ expert, let's call him Mr X, who asked us questions, exploring our relationship, view points, making us share some personal, intimate details.

I guess Mr X is now the 3rd person in the world who knows more about us other than us.

If there's one key take-away from the course, it would be...remember: "you sacrifice yourself, not for the other person, but for the relationship"

If i ever find myself in a situation where i have to compromise, do not think it's because i've lost and the other party's won, you do so.. because of the relationship, not because of him vice versa.

Whatever we do from now on, it's all for the good for the relationship.

The moment we say " i do", we are one. We were two individuls, but we are now going to do everything, discuss everything as one.

We do have certain agreements as a couple when we did the questionaire/ personality tests.=)

What the Mr X really appreciate about allan is that, when asked why he doesn pick up a quarrel or why he doesn flare up when i may seem unreasonable, the reason allan gave, was :
" it's not i couldn continue the quarrel, or rebutt her to win the argument, I just dont see the value in prolonging the fight, or making her upset further, when it's some small issue"....

I teared for the 2nd time i hear this. I teared the first time i heard this when he first said that to me in the car not too long ago, when i was worried about him, having not really flared up at me before, was thinking aloud if he might just be a dormant volcano and i will have no idea what he's really after marriage. *finger crossed*

That's where Mr X, nodded in agreement and added " Pick your fight". Do not choose to fight all the time and win for the sake for winning. Conflicts are bound to be present, but if you must fight, Fight for something meaningful, not petty stuffs.

He has his flaws, I had mine, but knowing he's going to be the one who's going to tolerate me for the rest of my life, makes me feel thankful.

I also noted, in the course of this relationship, more often than not, i find myself wanting the fiance to improve this, to improve that. And yet, one thing i'm so appreciative of him is that, he never asks for me to really change, although he do has his fair share of complaints for me. He's concerned about my health, some of my eating habits, but all in all, he really appreciates me for who i am.

We might not be prepared to know everything that's coming our way, but we covered some grounds? Some scope of what marriage encompass and while we dont fully complement each other, ( we even failed in some aspects, if you based on figures), it's assuring to know, even after Mr X's blunt discussions and questions, scary facts, statistics, after sharing some really personal experiences, we were still smiling at each other, Freaked by some stuffs, but still hand-in hand as we left the centre.

And like the movie in Evan Almighty ( which i'm watching as i blog), even when your partner can confuse you with some bizzare actions, words; even when your partner seems to be going through some tough times, when times are hard.. stay by him/ her. A famly stays together no matter what, and be supportive of each other.

Quote from the movie: "When someone pray for patience, do you think God gives them patience, or does he give them the opportunity to be patience?"

Very meaningful.

Gosh, I think this can be my wedding vows if i continue my train of thoughts...

******

Wedding Update:
a) Bridal Package- Settled
b) ROM Make up- Settled
c) Photography - not yet
d) ROM Dress- not yet
e) Music - not yet
f) Readiness- <50%
g) Mental Strength- climbing up!=)

My very thoughts-ful day

I have been staring in this page, when i've been trying to gather all my thoughts all day and then convince myself that i will be fine after releasing all these inner-thoughts from my head.

Ok, now to take a pause from these and go down to get a milk. Be right back.

Back from my short walk to the convenience store.. and thought it would be best to summarize my thoughts for today.

1) Integrity seems to be everything..
2) I miss my hall life
3) As one grows older, one has lesser friends to meet up and hang out with
4) A hug is all that is make me feel better...
5) Toasting to a cup of milk with your loved ones at the end of the day, him with his soya milk, me with my chocolate milk. A way to make those blues away.=)

Love,

Hooey

Austin thoughts

it's 8.41 am now, and i'm at a free internet kiosk at the Austin International Airport. Sad they dont offer free wifi, cos i would be able to settle into a comfy spot with my laptop, and not standing with my neck all strained with my bags beside me. Ha, but i should not complain as the ride to the airport was smooth and i was able to return the rented car without much hassle. Grateful.

Just that i got in here way too early, andit's 2 more hours before my flight to Atlanta! Last leg of my US trip, beginning of my holidays!

I just log on facebook but was unable to find anyone online to chat. I bought a DVD to watch in the event i got bored but i left it in the check in bag. Duh!

And i know i probably will not be able to hog the kiosk for too long. Actually, no one is around, but tmy legs cant take it much longer. On the other hand, i'm afraid i fall asleep!

Mylast night in Austin was great. Oliver showed me around Down Town Austin. We hiked around Town Lake. It was just so relaxed and the sights were so pretty. We then went on to see dinner at TGIF near the bridge where we were able to watch for Bats! Yes, there's a colony of Bats living in downtown Austin and people from all over the world gather to watch them as they fly out of the bridge just moments after sun set. However, as the summers' daylightwas long, it was rather dark and late n=by the time the bats came out.

And top it all, i had the chance to breeze through sixth street checking out Texas music as Oliver drove me back to my hotel. All in all, i'm so glad i've kinda completed the key things/ highlights of Austin Texas and add in those nature charms. I like seeing folks jogging around the town lake, known as ladybird lake. I lilke seeing dogs running after their owners. Owners playing fetch with their dogs, people training for their marathon, kids playing in the green green grass, folks rowing their canoes, kayaks and race boats, cyclists, different birds chirpping. Gosh, it was a great feeling to be in the midst of all these. at that instance, i felt i was part of it all, and yet, also an observer. It's incredible.

And let's not forget the sunset. i love the sunset in Austin. I love sunset fullstop. However, Austin offers a great view, and as you just watch sunset each day, you cant help appreciating life and mother nature in all it's glory. No matter how busy, and tired, homesick one may be, watching the sunset just makes me feel at ease. at least for me. =)

Well well, i haveabout 1.5 hours to go. Wish me luck as i end this post.

Live Well,Laugh Often, Love Lots.

US thoughts.. while in USA

So, i'm blogging from Austin hotel right now, on a Saturday late afternoon after my lunch with Joe.

This is a lovely place i've gotten, with its own stove, oven and dish-washer ( which i didnt even notice until i spoke to my parents on skype and shared with them via web-cam). So much for being domesticated huh.

So, i'm into my third week in USA. My first trip to USA so far. And it's been great! Some of the highlights include:

1) Watching a Major League BaseBall Game ( Twins vs Cleveland)

2) Camping at a lake in a Proper Camper, having Smores over a fire, tubing in the lake ( Knife's River)

3) Dipping my feet in cold water of Lake Superior ( the World's Largest Fresh water lake)

4) Hike at Gooseberry Falls State Park

5) Shopping at Albertville ( Minnesota Outlet Malls)

6) Dining at the docks beside the river at StillWater

7) Feed seagulls at Duluth ( USA's major port)

8) Meeting my key suppliers (those global accounts based in USA)

9) Went to a USA Casino.

And then in Austin:

10) Drove an hour ( alone) to San Marcos Outlet Malls-voted 3rd for Best Shopping place in the World... I stayed there only an hour ( need strong discipline) and then drove less than an hour back. => no GPS

11) Meeting alot of US colleagues whom i've usually just emailed, heard about and never personally met. It's really nice to put a face to a name now, and to share some stuffs outside work.

And it comes to my attention that alot of these colleagues, or US folks are really very close-knitted to their family (you will never fail to see their kids photos on their desk, their wall, and they will bring their kids up in conversation, about their spouse, things they are going to do during the weekend).. it's nice.

It's common for folks here to move about states. So one can grow up in say... Boston, and move to Chicago to study, and then California to work, and then settled down in Austin, for example. Or born in Wisconsin and worked in Minnesota... So, everyone is very adaptable to different cultures, environment, which to me, is not that bad an idea.

When exchanging some information about ourselves, i'm simple. I'm born and grew up in Singapore. I will get married in Singapore, and will probably stay in Singapore. Joe asked me a question if i had plans to stay elsewhere, since i was going that Singapore is a small place, my day trip today, would have seen me up to Johore at least.

And when he asked me that, I was telling him, even tho Singapore is a really small place, we tend to take alot of things for granted, like the safe environment, the politically stable country, the convenience, public transport, and of course, my family.... * side note: Chicago is encountering heavy rain, flash foods as i'm blogging*

I've always been homey. Even if i like to travel, and now, there's more. I miss Allan alot more too. He's just like family to me now, and i really appreciate his concern, checking on me when i was out driving today alone to San Marcos on HWY 183, IS 35. He actually gone through the route with me last night via Google Map. He called me when i was in Kate Spade this morning to check that i got there safe.=)

And i told him quite a few times this trip, that i think i had it with the work travelling bug. I used to envy those who travel to USA, nice places for long periods. I think it's nice if you have your loved ones with you, but if not, it can be quite lonely, haha, but he doubt my words saying i will eat back my words in a few months.

I used to ponder, why married couples need to stay together, i mean if one finds a job somewhere else for 6 months, why the other half will need to unroot and move together.

It's like: why cant they just be like what they used to do as boyfriend girlfriend, maintaining a long distance relationship. ( i mean granted they dont have kids)... Furthermore, if they are married, they are probably more mature and stable to be able to handle long-distance as compared to young folks who's still probably in the fun, drifting mindset.

However, i start to have a feel for what it's like to be that apart.

Especially when it's totally drastic timezones differences ( in this case 13 hours because of day-light savings). It' requires time and energy to arrange skype meetings to talk, to catch up and be a part of each other's life even tho we're apart).

When you grow older (well, i'm starting to feel this), the need for dependency, the knowledge that there's someone there, really there for you and you're his priority, really calms one down even when one's flustered. Knowing there's someone who's on the lookout for you, who wants to know exactly what's happening, where you're staying, what you're doing. I feel safe just knowing that, even if he's not around. Security without physical presence. I cant quite explain.

I just feel i've been on a fast track ride this trip. Seeing colleagues who are few years older than me, seeing folks 1-2 decades older than me, and how family is a strong foothold for who they are. These folks have a passion for life outside work, be it gardening, be it fishing, i have also met this lady who's into farming, cutting wood in the summer.. mowing the lawn.

They take their kids to baseball games, play baseball with them, they go to drive- in with their family ( have a grill and bbq ready beside their car) ( i almost done that if not for the Stormy saturday!).

It's like as tho, they are sharing with me, what' life will be like down the road. No doubt, no one wants to spend the whole Saturday chopping wood. ( not if you have like 80 acres of land).

Or it can be the father who's taking his MBA, who's preparing his kids for a stay over with their cousins, taking them to swim.

And you know what?... I'm looking forward to life. =) To every new day that's i have to make it worthwhile so that looking back, i will have great memories as well!

Love

There are so many types of love.

Bitter sweet, sweet, candid, undying, endearing, soul-matey, glamorous ... The list goes on.which type do you share with your partner?






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Wishing, and hoping, and praying, and Thinking

Wow, came in and realized it's been about 4 months since i last blog. Or could it be more than a year?

Nope, just check and yup, it's been a mere 4 months but alot has happened. At least to me.



I'm pleased to note there are people who comment on my blog. Thanks! It's nice to read them and i think part of it just inspires one to continue making one's thoughts visible, readable.



Not sure what sparks me to start blogging again, but I've always enjoyed reading my old posts. So i guess, the main motivation is that i'll never lose sight of myself. Oh so cliche... one might say, but hey, these are mine to own.



Have only started proper wedding preparation since the last few weeks, I've always envisioned taking some snapshots during the preparation. Thought it will give me a warm feeling when i look back on the preparation work, the hassle, the fun, the liaising, the frustration even. Good to note them down, however, it's just so much harder when you're the first person. So weird to be taking pictures for e.g while discussing stuffs with the banquet manager? Haha, or trying the bands?



Allan has been great for the past few weeks. He's the one liaising with all the necessary, doing the follow-up as i've been really tied up at work, coupled with the possible prospects of getting a new job. (which I turned down the final interview). I turned down because i didnt want think this job would be something i want to pursue. It got me thinking if i'm starting to settle into comfort zone and hence was hesitant with the many changes that might be coming my way.



However, once i made my mind about the job, I was able to focus on the Project - our wedding.



There's always a little princess, in every girl. Well, i guess I didnt fall out of that. it's fun, but tiring.



Although i have never dreamt about my wedding when i was 10 or 16, like all girls, I thought of a beautiful event when it's time to plan.



Beautiful, not in the sense glamourous,

Beautiful, not in the sense Colourful,

Beautiful, not in the sense of Luxurious,

Beautiful, not in the sense of everything pretty

Beautiful, not in the sense of all things rich.



Beautiful, in the sense of smiles and grins so wide

Beautiful, in the sense of flower girls running down the red carpet

Beautiful, in the sense of sweetness of invites, favours and flowers

Beautiful, in the sense of excitment of close friends and family

Beautiful, in the sense bringing my bridal mag to share with the girls and we having a good time just jotting new ideas, dresses.

Beautiful, in the sense of trying out my very first gown (with my mum), and sharing that thought with closed ones

Beautiful, in the sense of couple deciding on things both big and small

Beautiful, in the sense of checking the wedding band, and having the customer service laughing at him because of his weird sense of humour

(the same happened with the lady at the hotel, what to say.. i have a funny fiance)

Beautiful, in the sense of sharing ideas and themes ( if any) with the photographer ( him, being surprisingly quiet but smiling as we browsed through the portfolio)

Beautiful, in the sense how wedding tend to bring out others' sharing their experiences ( the manager, the photographer)

Beautiful, in the sense how inspirations, thoughts coming your way as you share (sharing them over phone conversations, through photographers, planner)

Beautiful, in the tears that may flow as emotions are bared

Beautiful, in the sense music's in the air ( especially when we spend an hour or two just listening to tracks, and reminscing on songs that meant something)



Ultimately Beautfiul, in the sense of bringing my closest one together leading to our eventful day.



Every little thing now leading to the event is beautiful. Yup, not necessary smooth-going, but there's a sweet rustic charm. Knowing, this will be the first and only time you will planning something so meaningful and sharing it with those who matters.

Shibuya breakfast (post dated)

At a mac outlet in Tokyo shibuya.correction: macdonalds outlet. Alone. My plan is to have my breakfast. And hit the day shopping. Cos shopping is suitable for a lone person. It's flexible timing so you can stop as and when u like.

I have to head back to hotel early tonight for a teleconference or u could perhaps try some sightseeing. Darn, I left the map in the hotel.

Just wanna add: people here are purposeful. Image: old mAn with red writing scribblings on newspaper. Using an electronic dictionary. With book and specs beside him.



Random thoughts:
Japanese crows. Big. Wonder if they met Singapore crows.

Like the concept of airport limousine bus.

Charcoal in water. Vendor machine dispensing coupons. No receipt for dinner.


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Books on a Saturday

Are we what we read? If so, what does these tell about me? A snapshot of my bookshelf . Rather untidy, as I haven't got the space.



Looking forward to the family trip in less than a month!

Side note, here is the luxurious brunch at mimolette after my hike with my hiking buddies aka my siblings ( haha, the first trip to bukit timah).


My breakfast eggs benedict.

January is turning out to be smooth and nice.

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Sweets of the past?

On the way to join Allan for a jog when I was feeling for a taste. Something sour. Something cold. Something spicy . A tub of cold shredded sour mango topped with chilli and light sauce came to mind.

However, I know I am not going to find there anywhere soon and had to, hence, settle for sweets. Sour sweet. I used to buy those candy that is wrapped in foil and a yellow label. The hard sour kind, but not many places carry them already. Only those sugar coated kind which... Ain't really my kind.

So, I third settled for this.



Which I took a picture in case, one day it's extinct too. Me and my ramblings. Enjoy the sours!

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Bus tune on last Wednesday of 2009

'Cause you give me something
That makes me scared, alright
This could be nothing
But I'm willing to give it a try
Please give me something
'Cause someday I might know my heart

Hooey glancing out as she nods with the song.

Year end typically strikes me more than year start.


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Last Monday of 2009

"have yourself a merry little Xmas"

I dunno why this song kept coming back to my head even tho it's 3 days past xmas.

I always envisioned this song with a quiet snowy scene. One perhaps walking along the ice lake with the woods on the other side. Looking around, with somewhat a lonely feel to it, yet reminding oneself to be cheerful for it's Xmas. And then, the Christmas carols can heard further up the path. A Cosy looking home with Xmas lighting seen through the window panes. ..

Have yourself a merry little Xmas day.


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Hearing/listening

Perhaps I should not put a slash between the 2. Both obviously different meaning though they use the same function.

It just seems overtime, I had the 2 mixed up. And now, I have been reminded how I haven really been doing the latter.

I know, habits happen because of repeatability. Good or bad, they take form once it's started and gains momentum.

If you stopped listening, you might just not get the chance to. If you just hear, the other can sense you are not listening, and might just grant you your wish of not sharing. And all you hear eventually, is just silence.


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Public commute

My whole entire entry about public commute was erased with a phone call.

Cut the story short. I missed Tokyo. I miss the quiet when one shuttles.

It's not all about giving up your seat only and
blabbering, complaining loudly, playing games with the sounds full blast.

It's also giving peace to your fellow commuters. Being understanding with one's words or rather silence along with actions.

Way to work - Monday

Expressway is smooth. Air con a tad too cold with condensation forming a bit patch on the window panes.

Feeling normal, no signs of monday blues kicking in which is rare and nice. Recalled mum chidding me for not having seen me for the past 2 days. Busy little bee.

Yes, I do feel disjointed here. I like to attribute it to the fact that it's Monday rather than that I 'm getting old and uninterested altogether. Surely my thoughts would have materialize into actions and in place, comes newer, fresher thoughts?

Been hanging out alot with the girls, tcc, justians, even when I'm not physically with them, I will be uploading pics. Looking at pics of them. And now, it seems my primary school girls has caught up. Thanks to cand who dug up hideous yet pricless pics of yesteryear. She's so great with scrapbooking that I have no doubt she will turn those yellowish tinge of geeky snapshots to great master pieces.

I'm half way to work now. The cold has settled in and we are off the expressway.

Let's see if there is any mini goals I like to set for this week.
1. Practice the guitar.6 weeks left. Let's target 2 chords. Smooth transition required before passing for this week.

2. I think a trip down to salvation army is necessary. Like Sisi mentioned: I'm hopeless with my wardrobe. My clothes are now hanging off the window grills.

I think 2 goals are sufficient for now. Let's kill the cows a step at a time.

P/s: embarrassed to admit, but it's true for me. It feels good to be engaged.Nothing has changed. Just a ring on the finger, and a promise which both work to fulfil in a lifetime. It would be nice if the guy gets an engagement token as well. Hmm... Wonders.





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5 mins of bliss

Dear came to see me while I was preparing to leave home for work on Monday morning.

There was only time for him to send me to bus stop from my block.

He told me ( over the phone ） that his brother's fan got locked in the cabinet and there were no keys.

I heard : his brother's friend got locked up in the cabinet with no keys. Instanteously tot of joey locked in his tv cabinet.

Shared with dear, we had a gd laugh. And there I was at my bus stop.

And there was : my 5 mins of bliss.

And somehow, you know : this is going to be a great week because of how it started.


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The day I said " yes "

To what may be the most important question in my life : 19 oct 2009


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Shanghai - Hangzhou ( rather disjointed blog)

It's a hot Monday afternoon, I do not have luxury of having off-in lieu, so it's kind of a forced leave today, which i did not mind, having spent the last 8 days or so in Shanghai.

I had lots to unpack, lots to organize, photos to upload, memories to update. That is perhaps, the most tedious part of travelling - - the post moterm, and the re-settling back to your current lifestyle, work, place.

A couple of highlights from this trip==

One of the things which bugged me initially and which i've gotten better with practice was explaining/ repeating to people that i'm alone.

Eg: ( all in Mandarin)
At the cafe: Table for how many?
ME: 1
Waiter: 1 only?
Me: Yup, 1 Only
Waiter: ( glances around to confirm)
Me: Yup I'm alone

Or...
At the Taxi Stand queuing:

Group of guys (GOG): Miss, alone taking the cab?
Me: yup
GOG: That's so not economical, why dont we share?
Me: No, thanks
GOG: Where are you going? Maybe it's on the way?
Me: I doubt so.
GOG: Why are you alone?
Me:... * feign ignorance*

OR....
At the river cruise:
Boat man: How many of u miss?
Me: 1
Boat man: 1 only?
Me: Yup
BOat man: Want to book the boat?
Me: No thanks
Boat Man: Then you got to wait
Me: okay.. ( sits on boat and wait) While he questions why i'm alone at West Lake...

OR EVEN....
at the conference:
3mmer: When you heading back?
Me: 17 Oct
3mmer: Visiting Supplier??
Me: Heading to Hangzhou
3mmer: With your boss?
Me: No.. alone
3mmer: Alone?? a girl?

*Explains again...*

Anyway, back to the highlights!
1. Ventured out alone in the streets of Shanghai, the bund, had a nice cuppa coffee

2. Queuing up for cabs with the locals ( at night in Shanghai, and day at Hangzhou Train station)
3. Tried Beef Stomach ( would never have done that in Singapore)

4. Had 3 shots of Chinese Rice Wine (Lethal: 53% Alcohol Content)

(photo courtesy of Kristin, who insisted i drink (can see the flushed face) I believe, the arm behind me belongs to Brian.

5. Followed by chinese massage after that (Masseurs commented that we reek of alcohol)

The Chemical & Polymer Folks From Left: (representing US, China, Singapore), Mr Korea is still stuck at his massage. All of us with our messy hairdo.

6. KTV with Managing Director
7. Our bus got a traffic violation ticket from the Police (having drove into the wrong One-way Street)
8. Boss concocted Gin-tonic for me
9. Learnt a little about pearls

10. Tried Nan-Xiang Xiao Long Bao
11. Took Train to Hangzhou alone (with no itinerary in mind, except to go West Lake)

Ticket: Checked

Secured Seat: Checked

Breakfast?: Checked (got Hotel to pack a breakast bag for me since i left hotel at 5.30aM!)

Self Portriat as i enter the 1st class Cabin! WooYOO.

12. Made a friend (this lady from Hei Long Jiang) while cruising West Lake in the afternoon. So i was just quiet for the whole morning at West Lake. Haha.

There's May! A very bubbly girl who travelled on her own, she vistied Xiamen before making her way to Hangzhou, she was in Hangzhou for 2 days on her own now and boy, were we glad to have found each other for company as we cycled along West Lake. I rem a guy commenting on the bus (he overheard our conversation, cant help as the bus was crowded) (yes, May taught me how to take the public bus (it cost only 2 Yuan (Slightly over 40 cents)) that both of us are so detailed in trying to learn out more about each other as we chatted about our families, our work, our schooling system, our vegetable costs.. Yes (vegetable costs).
My rented bicylce. May teaching me how to lock.. Of cos, i wasn paying much attention.

Morning scene on a Friday Morning.

Self-Peddle Boats.

13.Took a Stranger's car ride up to Long Jing Mountain to buy Long Jing Tea Leaves ( negotiated fare: 10 Yuan equivalent to about slightly more than 2 SGD)

14. Cycled around West Lake

15. Made a few international friends ( all 3Mmers), actually we all corresponded through emails some point in time, but it's really nice now, to be able to put a face with the name.

Was really fortunate to be able to go for this trip, to meet and learn from the commodity leaders. I really enjoyed myself, and never knew that i would explore anywhere alone ( in China).

Having called my mum ONLY after i reached Hangzhou station that i will be spending the night there alone. ( Her reaction was mixed, worried and at the same time surprised that i was capable of doing that! I guess all the while, she assumed i was just thinking aloud, not intending to do that since i did not make any plans or research whatsoever).
*****************************************

Back to Shanghai's 1st Night:

I really enjoyed myself on my first night, having reach the hotel at about 6pm, i settled down and left the hotel at about 8 pm to ask for recommendation of where to go at the bund for dinner!

I reached the river, and i just started snapping away, as i reckon ( once my boss, my boss's boss is here in Shanghai, there's probably alot of entertaining and meetings, and other obligated visits), and i took like hundreds of pictures that night? No doubt, i was really silly taking self portraits, much to the amusement of those beside me.

I've never been to Shanghai before this, and the first thing i noticed when i reached was how much constructions were going on, be it residentials, commerical buildings, roads, highways, train lines. All hyped up and scheduled to be read for the World Expo 2010 that's happening in Shanghai next year.

Not sure if i'll have a chance to visit Shanghai for the conference again, i highly doubt so, since i believe, they will send my other colleagues this time.

The pace is fast, it's very modern, it's really safe to take cab anywhere by yourself and the cab fares' relatively cheap.

Video taken on the 1st Night.



This video took me eons to upload onto blogger, but i really wanted to share it, It's not exactly a fanstic video,rather grainy effects . However, I was enchanted if you may, by the violinist and she was also part of the reason i parted with 30 yuan to buy a cup of coffee and sat by the river, enjoying the music in the relatively chilled air in Shanghai. Yes, no doubt, i was feeling alone, but strangely, that was also the nicest part of it as i sat there.

No obligation to check if anyone want to leave for shopping, or wanted to sight-see elsewhere, or wanted to just go indoors because it was cold! It was just me, myself and my trusted camera. Hiaks. Was deliberating whether to bring my DSLR, but mum advised not to since this is afterall, still a business trip and what's a girl lugging so much stuffs? (on hind sight, very wise advice)

Sadly, maybe because there werent much guests outdoor, the very talented and pretty violinist ended her act shortly and took her leave. I too then ventured off else where after watching several boats past me.

(more pictures)

Haha, after taking this shot, i was thinking to myself: This is my 3rd Tower Shot i took this year. I had one at Tokyo, one at KL and the 3rd in Shanghai!

Pearl TV Tower?
KL Tower. ( I just took the pic from fB, hence the small pic)

Tokyo Tower.

*** to be continued.

Apple post

My 1st blog on iPhone. Gotta get used to it. Excited bout impending shanghai trip.

"women your age"

What is that magic age when one changes from being flattered to flattened hearing "women your age"?

Maybe Magic is not the best word for it, since it's heading for the negative reaction instead of wonderful concoctation.

Am I at that trigger age already? Or perhaps, still a few years to play with before i hit the big "3"0.

To me, it's really not a big deal, it's part of the fun, acting as tho it matter so much, that you wish time will just creep, or better still, for ever 2 years forward you move back 4 years backwards. This way, you gain the wisdom, and lose the wrinkles.

I'm down the garden flu. That's what my doc said. And pretty much bed-ridden. Psychologically, i feel i'm getting sick more easily than i did in previous years. Mum said i lost the fighting spirit.

Yesterday, when i was at the clinic, i saw this girl who was waiting outside the clinic along with the rest of us who formed a small queue. She was pacing up and down, dragging her slippers in her AJC PE-Tshirt and carrying a laptop with some notes. She gave out this negative vibe as though she's frustrated.

So when the clinic opened, we all walked in, and she actually cut my Queue. Without any shame. She took her card and placed at the counter when i have done so. The lady over the counter asked "Who's next?"

She actually said "me". Much to the first couple (who got queue #1)'s surprise. So that AJC girl got #2, and i got #3.

I cant be bothered to fight it out with her, although i was pissed myself. And then i found out she was from T$%% ( a wafer fab company). She's actually working!

When i told Allan this, he was like "what made you think she was younger?", and to my surprise, i told him " I guess, i started noticing more people younger than me now ".

That's the truth.