sillygirl's kitchen adventures and other randoms

2009-03-29T22:01:00.011+08:00

Saturday Nite Coffee Fix

Needed a breather after all the back-breaking household chores, so met up with Mich for some food, coffee, shopping and chit-chat. Oh I forgot, the cam-whoring. Ha.

(Slightly bimbotic, but I like how my chin appears so sharp in the last pic.)

It's always nice to catch up with a girlfriend once in awhile. Especially when our favourite past-time is to raid Daiso. Haha. But Vivo's Daiso wasn't satisfying enough...so Queenie, I'll be heading your way soon. :)

2009-03-29T21:42:00.007+08:00

We are (accidental) celebrities

On Thursday, I tasted my own version of "celebrity" status, courtesy of My Paper. SMSes and calls came non-stop ranging from my family members, friends, colleagues, to my beautician, from 7am to 8pm. Til today (3 days later) I was still getting SMS from my friends who saw the papers today somehow! Even though the picture of me and my sis wasn't to ugly too start with, I was strangely traumatised. I understood from this incident that :-

1) A lot of my friends read My Paper, as opposed to my sis's friends.
2) So many people scrutinise faces in the papers. Like me.
3) I have such a recognisable face that even when it appears in the most unexpected place - the newspapers - everyone can recognise me immediately.
4) We are still YOUNG executives. Hurray. (Coincidentally I do use Laneige products)
5) Never pick your nose (or do other funny acts) in public. Who knows when your pic will be placed in the papers.
6) If I were to turn famous one day, I had better change my number.

And hey Laneige, shouldn't we be getting some products for being your free poster-girls-for-the-day huh? You'll be hearing from me soon....

2009-03-29T17:46:00.004+08:00

Simple Dinner

I was surfing some food blogs in the office (hey a girl needs a little break right?) and chanced upon a recipe for cold tofu. The original recipe called for pork floss and century egg as toppings but I substituted that with preserved olive veg and spicy prawn chilli which I found in my fridge. The result was pretty tasty nonetheless, with the salty and spicy flavours combined with the fragrant peanut sauce and soft texture of the cold tofu. Yums! Later when Mark came home, I quickly whipped up a honey-baked ham omelette for him. My first attempt but was glad it looked pretty appetising! :)

2009-03-23T23:33:00.004+08:00

一切完美的Perfect Cut

As the credits rolled for the 9pm show tonight, I automatically reached for the remote to change the channel to Ch U. Only to remember in a split second - there is no more Perfect Cut. Tragedy.

For the past 2 weeks, I've stayed tuned to Perfect Cut every weekday at 10pm (minus the 2 days that I went out and half an episode where I forgot and went to bathe) and I enjoyed every minute of the show. This show is no ordinary MC drama - it's well-produced with engaging and extremely thought-provoking stories that delve into deeper issues in life and a veteran cast who mete out their roles exquisitely (anytime better than the young A-listers in MC) ,with wonderful theme songs to boot. Xin Huey's 你没想像中爱我 and Guo Mei-Mei's 放了爱 and 许愿树 are all heart-wrenching and suits the show to a T.

The only complain I have is in the last episode when Kelly SMSed Alex everyday after he leaves （没有Alex的第一天。。。）- it bore too much resemblance to what happened between Alfred and 常在心in 溏心风暴。The only 完美中的不完美。But after the heart-breaking reunion scene between Alex and Kelly - I let it go.

I think Thomas Ong's Alex Tan will be here to stay (in our hearts) for a long time. I wonder if there will be more people heading to the "Alex Tans" out there in search of hope via plastic surgery and aesthetic treatments. Hopefully there will be a Perfect Cut 3...I'll give up going out for 2 weeks for it anytime. And hopefully Perfect Cut will get some recognition in the upcoming Star Awards (not that I'll watch), instead of that overrated rah-rah of a little nonya.

Huh, what nonya again?

2009-03-15T02:34:00.004+08:00

Selfish, ungracious, or just mildly deranged?

If I really had to thank, it would be the woman on bus service #10 the other day. If not for her, I wouldn't have been inspired to move my lazy butt (and fingers) to come update my blog again. It's amazing how I could be reading about the graciousness of Singaporeans (or the lack of it) in the afternoon, and witness an example of such in the evening.

As I boarded the bus after work, and moved towards the back of the double-decker bus, I recognised one of the passengers seated on the long seats (you know, those seats that faced each other at the back of the bus). Months ago when I saw her, it was the same bus service, just 3 times as crowded, and she and her bags were sprawled across 3 seats (THREE!). I remember looking at her in disgust, while she pretended to sleep, with her fluttering eyelids giving her pretense away. I wasn't quite near her, and I didn't understand why nobody tried to ask her for the seats. The bus was packed to the brim and this selfish woman was obviously enjoying her abundant personal space. My dagger eyes had failed to jolt her from her nap.

This time, there were seats at the back of the bus, and one seat next to this woman, but occupied by her precious pink recycled bag. As before, she and her fluttering eyelids were pretending to be asleep. I stood in front of her, hesitating before I pointed to her bag and said excuse me. Yes, I could have just gone to the back to sit, but curious me wanted to test this woman since fate brought me in front of her (puke). The response I got from her was astonishing. She looked at me (hey i thought she was sleeping, she actually could see me pointing to her bag), and then waved her hand towards the back of the bus, signalling for me to go and sit behind since there were alot of seats! OMG! She refused to move her bag!

At that split second I didn't know whether to be angry or laugh! I glared at her and shook my head (for the other passengers to see how disgusted I was) then moved to the side of the bus to stand at the railings. I met the gaze of another lady whose eyes were almost popping out in shock. "Omg, I saw that!" she said. So I told her I asked for the seat on purpose just to test the woman cos I've seen her in selfish action before. She was utterly disgusted. The next thing we knew, the woman was shouting at a teenage boy who accidentally hit her fat leg that was sticking out and mumbled sorry too softly. "Say louder lah!" she scolded. FAINT! I concluded henceforth that she is mad. No doubt she is rude and selfish, but she is probably mad.

With that, I forgive her.

But if I see her again the next time, I will still ask her for the empty seat she is hogging. Ha.

2009-03-15T02:00:00.013+08:00

5 Birthdays and A Gathering

February and March is birthdays galore! Celebrated and/or had dinner with the respective birthday girls and boys - Queenie, Mum, Fang, Han and Dad. It's always great to be able to catch up with family and friends frequently and having so many celebrations in such a short span of time provides the perfect excuse. What's more, we managed to have our cousins girls' night out after Han's birthday party. Chatted and laughed ourselves silly over drinks at Long Bar and Harry's @ Chijmes. Hopefully we can squeeze in a few more of these before Kat leaves for UK...

In other news, the 159 girls had a mini-reunion at my place with hawker food and then K-session at Marina. Was great fun reminiscing about our childhood days and all the unforgettable memories during our 159 days. We will be planning for the Grand 159 Reunion in April (whoaaa sounds so big scale!). Hopefully the turnout will be better than expected! Can't wait! :)

2009-02-15T19:08:00.004+08:00

V-day & MJ!

This is how we celebrated V-day this year:-

Yep, we played MJ with sis and Mike. Why not? MJ stimulates the mind and to top it off, I was the big winner of $25 after 2 rounds haha. Oh, and we ordered KFC. Yes, as you can see, we are totally for the non-commercialisation of V-day. :p

And I have a new pink toy! My trusty SE K800 has been with me for more than 2 yrs but it's in a horrible state, with the keypads and the back peeling (I've gotten used to pretending not to notice them). Now I have a shimmering new baby pink T700. Thanks dear!

2009-02-11T23:28:00.004+08:00

GRASSHOPPER RIGHT NOW in CONCERT

Tell me, how not to be excited?

But here's the party-pooper : it's in HK...

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Update update!!! They are coming to SG after all! More details later! Woohoos!

2009-02-08T14:01:00.003+08:00

I am back!

A year later, I got my fingers moving and gave my blog a brand new look. Amateurish attempt at piecing backgrounds, pictures and colours together, so this is as far as the trial and error goes. Matter of fact is, I've been inspired by some good writing that I've been reading on some blogs and it occurred to me that I once wrote good English too. Ever since the rampant use of Singlish and shortforms in the SMS and MSN world, I find my command of language fading. Time to brush up. Watch this space.

2008-03-02T16:24:00.005+08:00

Le Bistrot @ Stadium Walk

Had our belated Vday dinner at Le Bistrot at Stadium Walk. Had always been wanting to try it, especially it is so close to home. Nice, quaint little place with great food to match, but a little on the pricey side. We had a crab and yoghurt starter, pink pork and duck confit as mains, and assorted flavoured creme brulee as dessert. Regretted not taking a few more pics of the interior though.

After dinner, popped over to Kallang Leisure Park and deliberated for a long time before we decided to part with $78 to get this baby. Nice eh? Consolation - I saw the same thing in Marina Square a week later and it was selling for $128! So, ours is a good buy! Ok cheap thrill but bottomline, I think it's really nice. I can even see the time now without my specs hahahaha.

2008-03-02T16:00:00.005+08:00

Shokudo Japanese Food Bazaar @ Raffles City

Met Shannen for lunch on the first Friday at my new job. Really miss having lunches with her and the girls. Now my team is small and I'm the only girl and the guys don't usually lunch together, so I have to find my own lunch kakis all the time. And I have no one to gossip with at work....ultimate bore....but well, I guess the money and being able to scoot home early makes up for it. I can always keep in touch with the girls outside of work ya? As long as they don't forget about me....sobsob.....

Anyway, tried out this new place at Raffles City called Shokudo. Read about it from the papers and some food blogs. Seems interesting as it is a Jap restaurant with Marche-concept. You reserve your table with a huge chess lookalike thingy, and you order your food by charging to a card they hand to you at the door, and you settle the bill at the end of the day at the cashier. There was a huge variety of Jap food ranging from sashimi, sushi, ramen, jap pastas and pizzas, Jap curries, yakitori, burgers, omelettes, jap desserts etc etc...Amazing! I was excited as a little girl in Disneyland haha.

Food was good and prices were quite reasonable. And Shannen and I pigged out on the following. I think the teriyaki chicken burger was yummy and looks damn good also. It has a sunny side up inside and the bread was thick and chewy. Yum! Highly recommended! And it's only $6.80!

2008-03-02T15:53:00.003+08:00

Valentine's Day

What I received for V-day......My receptionist and secretary thought the bling thingy may be something costly so they guarded it with their lives, dropping me emails and voice messages to ask me to collect my gift from their seats. Haha! As if blings will be sent via delivery...=p

2008-03-01T17:01:00.012+08:00

康之《上海之夜》

The much awaited musical Shanghai Nights commenced its 2-night run on 8th Feb. Being part of the Huayi Festival, they coincided it with CNY and thus I wasn't able to watch all 3 performances. Only decided to watch the last show on 9th Feb night. Candy and Ada came all the way from HK to watch all 3 performances! Kudos to them for being such ardent supporters! Ruiwen also came from Taiwan but she also only watched the last night's show.

Met up with Candy, Ada, Ruiwen, Xiuwen, Yammie and Celestine at Gallery Hotel where Candy was staying before adjourning for dinner at MOF at Marina Square. The hotel room was quite a let down cos I was expecting the nice themed-type rooms I've always read about Gallery Hotel. Unfortunately I think those are only for the suites and Candy's room was just a standard room. Felt quite heartache for them cos it's not cheap to stay there and it wasn't exactly a very convenient location. They chose to stay there cos we thought Hong was going to be there too! Sigh.

After a dinner with slow and bad service, we rushed to Esplanade hurriedly lest the doors closed on us, as apparently they start at 8pm on the dot. Grabbed a few program booklets on the way. Then we felt like some cheapos cos we each grabbed like more than 5. Wahahaha.

The musical was entertaining on the whole but Mindee Ong's singing left more to be desired. Her stage acting was commendable, after all she is quite a good actress but her role required some good singing to deliver and completely bring out the character and it's angst. Somehow, I felt that because of this, Hong also fell short in his portrayal of his character. It felt as if he was holding back something, afraid to unleash his full potential in case he overshadows her with his singing prowess. Nonetheless, that aside, his first foray into musicals is very commendable. Considering that he is not mandarin speaking, he was able to deliver his lines with conviction and clarity. One DJ on his blog commented that william so aside, he was taken aback by the other casts' pronunciation of words. But hello, I think Hong did the best job in terms of pronunciation, especially given the fact that he is cantonese speaking. So give him credit where it's due ok? I'm so proud of Hong in his success of his first ever musical. =)

After the musical, Candy told us that she had arranged with Hong's assistant to meet with Hong before he goes for his post-musical celebration. While waiting, Candy and I saw some people coming out from another exit at the carpark, so we went there to have a look first in case we missed him. Hung around there for awhile and when we almost walked off, Hong appeared from the door. We quickly motioned for Xiuwen to call the rest over while Hong entertained an autograph request from some guy.

When Hong came to us, he immediately asked us, is there aircon inside? ( cos we were at the carpark where it's quite warm). We replied got ah, and he quickly chased us in, saying then still don't go in??? So hot here! Faint.....Anyway once inside, Candy and I gave him a hug to congratulate him and we all started chatting. Hong as usual was super patient, even though the car was waiting to bring him to the celebration. He started the ball rolling with the autographs and photo taking. And we continued to chat along the way.

Once I asked his SG assistant if Hong bullied him. And Hong quickly jumped in and said hey, you should ask if HE bullied ME! Then he playfully "scolded" me "你这个臭婆娘!" . I was like what????????!!!!!!!! Then Candy chided him back with a "臭男人!" and I added on "你才是猪八戒呢!" haha! I think if people didn't know him, they would think how come he is so rude! But if you understand Hong well, you would notice that he will only say such things to his friends or people he knew well. If it's fans that he respected he wouldn't be so unpolite. Haha. So, do I count myself lucky or what ah? Haha. Cos Xiuwen and Celestine heard him and told me softly "You happy liao la?" Hahaha scolded also happy meh? I felt like beating him lor.....=p

Anyway before that his assistant actually mentioned to Candy that Hong didn't want to let us know where his post-musical celebration was going to be as he was afraid that wherever they go will be dangerous. We were like huh????? Dangerous?? In Singapore??? Faint. So while chatting with Hong, I asked him, so where in SG is dangerous ah? Then he errrr......and replied iya i know it's at clarke quay la but where exactly I'm also not sure lor.....was that a hint?? But I didn't want to press him la, cos we weren't exactly interested to know since we weren't intending to follow him anyway. We had already planned to go to Clarke Quay to meet Alvin from Lunar, cos Candy wanted to pass him some stuff. So when I heard Hong mention Clarke Quay, I told Candy maybe he's going to Lunar too? Hmmm....

After quite some time spent with us, Hong finally left after giving each and every one of us a big hug. Hehe. That is Hong for you, always so obliging and without airs. Not like some other celebrities who probably run away the moment they see fans approaching hahaha.

Our next stop was Clarke Quay but as Alvin was only coming to work at 1230am, we went to Coffee Club to have a drink first. When we met Alvin outside Lunar, he insisted we got a chop to go in so that Candy can have a look inside. But as Ada and Ruiwen were still sitting at Coffee Club, we went back to them first and waited for Alvin to finish his first set. When he came to look for us at 130am, he again asked us to go in and have a look la. I was wondering why he was so persistent but I didn't think much of it la. He probably just wanted them to have a look a how a SG pub looked like. Anyways, after some chatting , we decided to move our butts and go to Lunar. Alvin even reminded us to take the lift up to the 2nd floor to have a look.

When we arrived at the second floor, my eyes scanned around in the dark and before I could even focus on anyone, Candy suddenly went "Ah Hong!". And sure enough, Hong was distinctly in sight at the far end of the 2nd floor. We strolled towards him, wondering whether to catch his attention, cos we didn't want him to think we were stalking him. Then he looked up and saw us and surprisingly, he actually smiled and waved at us! I think he was also surprised that we actually found him. Hahahaha. And and, he actually walked over to us from his crowd and stood there to chat with us for quite awhile leh! He smelt of peanuts although he said he drank alot hahaha. Anyway it was so noisy it made it so hard to chit chat with him. And he was standing next to me so I had to make small talk. Faint. Then there was a little dead air for awhile before he excused himself to rejoin his group. Whew! Luckily we didn't go in and bump into him earlier, if not I really dunno how to deal with the dead air in the noisy surroundings! Shortly after, he left with some guys and we actually sent him off to the lift haha. Then we made our way back to the hotel by foot, strolling along Clarke Quay etc in the wee hours of the morning. After sending them back, I took a cab home myself and only slept like hours later cos I was still enthralled with the whole exciting and eventful night.

Now for the pics.....

Something small I made from scratch for Hong

using the many brochures and booklets I koped from Sistic. I thought this would make a memory gift for him. I reminded him not to throw it away when I gave it to him. He said no la! Wahaha.

Group photo with HK, TW and SG fans!

The happy crowd :)

Me and Hong

Lastly, don't ask me why we both stand until like that...hahaha

Me and Candy at Lunar

2008-03-01T16:24:00.003+08:00

How I spent my precious few days of tai-tai-dom

As you all may already know, I've moved on from StarHub and embarked on a new career. No it's not tai-tai-dom. You wish. And I lagi wish. Money doesn't grow on trees so unfortunately I still gotta slog my life away.

Nonetheless, I managed to get about a week's break in between jobs to try and relax and do some tai-tai activities. But there wasn't really enough time as CNY was just round the corner and I spent most of my time trying to do last minute shopping and spring cleaning. So I ended up even more tired than usual! Argh!

My first day off was spent going for my long-overdue medical checkup for my new job. Thereafter went to meet Queenie to go to Waterloo Street temple and some shopping. Then was bored so I spent the rest of my evening at Pearl's Centre queueing for Jin Pin Xiang bah kwa. I never knew I had so much patience but I queued for a good 2 hours. Luckily I had my iphone as my companion and I was actually MSN-ing until my batt died. Luckily it was my turn when it died on me haha. Anyway, the ba kwa is delicious, it has this layer of glistening syrupy gravy thingy that makes it extra yummy.

One of the days was spent shopping for clothes and miscellaneous stuff. Oh and I did my mani and pedi too. And on the day nearer to CNY eve, I actually went to the wet market to buy food for our CNY reunion steamboat at home! Omg, it's my first time alone at the market and I was super lost. I didn't know how to choose the pork, the squid, the prawns...I just asked the sellers to help so I don't know if they cheated me or not. But whatever la...it was an eye-opening experience and I survived...that's the most important! =p

The rest of the free days was spent stoning at home although I would love to do more of what is reflected below....having a cuppa with my iphone and watching the world go by...alas, I didn't have the luxury of time...sigh.....

2008-03-01T13:59:00.024+08:00

Total Recap!

Hmph! Laugh some more la! You girls very bad, I very slack I admit la, but I'm trying ma. Laugh some more right? I give you all the recap, once and for all! Wahahaha!

Pasta de Waraku @ The Central

- with Fang, Wendy, Pat and Jimmy

Love the pastas, pizzas and desserts there. Pasta de Waraku became a frequent hangout when we meet for dinner. But so sinful --- carbs!!!!!!!!!

MOF @ Marina Square
- with Shannen

MOF is my all time favourite. The food is not bad and reasonably priced. Shannen intro to me this salad with wasabi mayo - got me hooked! And the bestest thing there is their desserts! Never leave without trying that warm sweet potato and green tea ice cream combo! =)

Ice Monster @ Plaza Singapura
- with Vic and Lipeng

The overworked girls decided to leave the office early that day and we went PS for some food therapy. Shared Carl's Junior (we asked them to cut the big burger into 3! HAHAHA) then went to Ice Monster to have some Taiwanese ice desserts. Not bad, but of cos can't beat the authentic ones in Taiwan. Nonetheless, a quick fix of momentary happiness haha.

Muffins Galore @ Home

MOF @ Bugis Junction
- with family and Auntie Angie's family

Mark's culinary delicacies @ Home
- Once in awhile, I get treated to home cooked food....hehe....looks yummy rite?

One night, we were bored and we went to get ourselves a deep fryer and some ingredients and prepared a feast of calamari, sotong balls and quail eggs wrapped in sausage meat. Looks cool right? Delicious too!

BBQ @ Fang's house

Popiah Lunch @ Queenie's

Went to help Queenie finish up her popiah from her party the day before. Hahaha....I love popiah! There was so much I even wrapped some and passed to Sis after that! Muahaha.

Christie's Baby Cavin!

Went to visit Christie and baby one weekend after Cavin was born. Cavin is sooooooo cute! He has poses in many varieties, and I snapped some from his Ultraman series. Hehe.

Waraku @ East Coast Park
- with family and parents-in-law

Canele Patisserie Chocolaterie @ Paragon
- with Shannen

One lunch time, after a healthy meal of salad prepared by Shannen's mum, we wasted her efforts by sinning at Canele Patisserie. Shared some delicious but damn rich cakes and some damn pricey teas. But it was a nice catchup session amidst the nice ambience. They had nice displays and lightings too. =)

Jay Chou Live @ Indoor Stadium
- with Queenie

Managed to secure tickets at the last minute and asked Queenie along with me as Mark had to travel overseas. I've always been indifferent to Jay. I mean, I do listen to his songs but I don't go all fanatical over him. But his concert opened my eyes to his showmanship, his musical talents (he plays so many instruments!!!) and his rare sense of humour. I think this is the first time I've heard him talk so much and I could actually understand him! Hahaha! Overall, it was an entertaining concert and strangely I knew almost all of his songs even though I don't own a single album of his. Queenie and I had to fit into the surroundings of teeny boppers, thankfully we had the hands provided by sponsor StarHub as our props. Hehe..

2008-02-14T01:16:00.004+08:00

《上海之夜》

For the whole of Dec/Jan, if you happened to walk past or into Esplanade, you would have seen posters and banners of the Huayi Festival all around. Last week while I was there, I spotted Hong's posters and banners of Shanghai Nights, the opening show for the Huayi Festival, all around Esplanade - at the lobby, near the theatre door, at the carpark lobby and I even whizzed by one while going down the escalator. Oh and not forgetting the underpass link to Citylink! Cool!

I can't wait!

2007-12-06T01:00:00.000+08:00

Cousins' Day Out!

Of droolsome fare, cutesy oli, crazy gals, fanatic singing and other random stuff.....

My fav pic ever....

2007-12-06T00:58:00.000+08:00

Happy Anniversary!

Some pics of the delicious food I had for my anniversary dinners - Korean at Ju Shin Jung and Jap at Inagiku....

At Ju Shin Jung.......

At Inagiku..........

2007-12-06T00:39:00.001+08:00

Taipei and Hong in 72 hours (cont'd)

10th Nov 07 (Day 3)

Today, Candy and I managed to wake up slightly earlier to have breakfast at the hotel cafe. The food was ok but nothing to scream about. At least we felt better not to have wasted money haha. After a leisurely breakfast and chit-chatting, we then met up with the 2 HK ladies to go to the florist again to make payment for the flowers for tonight. Actually I did not want to get any flowers at all (cos frankly, I felt flowers were quite a waste as they don't last), but on second thoughts, I didn't have anything for Hong (except a simple card) so I asked Candy if I could share the 2nd night's bouquet with her, as well as help her defray her costs abit. Thanks Candy for letting me share! =)

Headed for Ximending again with the rest of the gang (including the HK and Taiwan fans) to shop around. On the way there, we changed trains at 南京東路捷運站, which was where Hong filmed his “如果這是我愛你最好的距離”MV many years back!

Taken on the platform of 南京東路捷運站, but cos zi pai so can't really see the station haha.

At Ximending, Candy, Rui Wen and I split from the rest to go on a food search. Haha not really la, but as we were not in a shopping mood, we just looked around for interesting things to drink and eat. Our first stop was a fruit juice stall where we ordered bittergourd juice. The bittergourd was white in colour, different from the normal ones we get from the market and the juice was refreshing. and tasted great with honey!

Then we stumbled upon this stall called Hot Candy, selling toasted marshmellows with a wide variety of toppings! Kinda cool so we bought 3 different flavours to try hehe.

Next we hopped across the little road to the stall opposite selling crepes (可麗餅) and ordered a grilled chicken crepe to share. It was quite delicious, with the crepe packed with chicken pieces, corn and shredded lettuce drizzled with generous amount of thousand island dressing. I can still remember the taste leh! =)

After all the yummy food, we all headed back to the hotel to get ready for the concert at night. Finally I was going to sit in my expensive seat near the stage and enjoy Hong's show in totality....bliss.....=)

(after 3 mths, I still have not completed this post. Let me try to finish up so i can move on haha)

Words cannot describe how wonderful the concert was and what beautiful memories we had during that night. I'll let the photos speak for themselves ya? Enjoy....=)

2007-12-01T18:02:00.000+08:00

Taipei and Hong in 72 hours (cont'd)

9th Nov 07 (Day 2)

Before we slept last night, Candy and I had wanted to wake up for the hotel breakfast (不吃白不吃，since it is included and it's a 4-5star hotel, I wasn't expecting Rainbow hotel-quality seaweed bread...haha). Alas, we overslept and only woke up at 930am, and breakfast ends at 10am. So we decided to go to the flower shop to make payment for the flowers she had helped ordered for the fans to be presented to Hong at his concert.

Took a cab to 八德路where the flower shop was. It wasn't a retail florist shop, more like a wholesaler type located in a shophouse, but on a much smaller scale. I liked the facade of the shop cos of it's brightly painted colours so couldn't resist snapping a pic.

Ok I know, I look like I just woke up....

After making payment, we took a cab down to Ximending to find food and walk around. As we didn't know what to eat, we ended up at the 蛋饼stall that my Taiwan gang used to frequent. This time cos I was alone, the auntie didn't recognise me hahaha. Ordered a ham 蛋饼and soya bean milk, and sat at the stone bench on the walkway to eat. I thought I was only allergic to the 原味蛋饼，but who knows, the flavoured one succeeded in making me sick also. I felt quite pukey after finishing 3/4 of it, and that indigestion feeling lingered on for 3/4 of the day also. I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry, cos - I NEVER LEARNT MY LESSON!!! grrrr.....

Shopped around in Ximending and it felt kind of strange for Ximending to be so quiet. I was too used to the hustle and bustle all around and the throngs of people on the streets. But after all, it was a Friday early afternoon, so I guess it's still the lull period. Nothing really much to buy as the stuff is quite similar to HK stuff and I had just been to HK. Guess Candy and I were more hyped up about seeing Hong than anything else. Ended up stoning in Starbucks for an hour for my caffeine fix and looking out of the window watching the quiet world go by outside. The Starbucks is very nice upstairs leh. The decor felt very English but the 2 boy sleeping on the comfy sofa didn't compliment the nice ambience at all. Tsk tsk. After Starbucks, we took the train to 新光三越to look see as well as to buy the nice nice cuttlefish for Fang.

Candy and me outside 阿宗面线 in Ximending

Whiling time away in Starbucks at Ximending, coffee in hand :)

Dunno why there were so many police on standby outside 新光三越. I wondered it there was going to be a riot? Exciting hahaha.

On the way back, we passed by the Taipei Arena, or better known as 小巨蛋, where many artistes hold their concerts.

Then, we chanced upon this on the route back to the hotel! How apt! So Nice....coming soon... Seems to be saying Hong is making a comeback soon, and yes, tonite! Hehehe... (think it's a new fashion store...)

Went back to hotel to ensure the flowers were delivered. Wow, I was amazed with the intricate packaging, complete with carefully selected small details like the layers of lovely wrappers etc. And each bouquet costs about S$100. Although not cheap, but probably can't get the same quality in SG with this kind of price? Have a look at the pics, need I say more?

My favourite was the bouquet of hydrangeas, the white flowers with purple middles were so pretty! I couldn't stop taking photos of them....

The sunflowers were very pretty too......

Went for a quick dinner at the foodcourt near our hotel before following them to concert venue. Candy and I weren't too hungry so guess what we ate?

Ya we ate ice-cream hahaha. Had my favourite 情人果flavour, while Candy had kiwi.

Took cabs to the concert venue and there were already many people streaming in. Waited around for some other Taiwan and Japanese fans before they went in. I didn't have a ticket for that night's show (long story), so I hung around to wait for 小丘to knock of from work after the rest went into the theatre. And to cut the long story short, let's just say I managed to catch half the show that night due to some sheer luck. =p

The atmosphere in the concert hall was one full of anticipation. I was excited, anxious and scared at the same time. After all, this is Hong's first 售票concert in Taiwan and after all that has happened the past few tumultous years, I really hoped that Hong's concert would be very successful. Before the show started, they played a montage of Hong's MVs, making it seem like a karaoke session (cos Hong mentioned before that the audience could request for their favourite songs to be sung). I knew I would cry at the concert, being the ever emotional girl, but my first tears came even before the concert proper! As I watched the MVs being played and Hong's voice filling the concert hall, I felt a sudden angst and melancholy sweep over me. I felt so touched.

Before I could fling my tears away, the lights went down. Excited screams filled the whole place. Music played. More screams. Spotlights came up in the middle of the concert hall. Hong appeared from the middle of the concert hall! It was an unexpected entry as most people would have appeared with a big bang on the stage. It was a fabulous arrangement as it brought Hong close to the audience as soon as the concert began. It is Hong's personable and affable self that won him his legions of fans. Tonight, he is really out to 回馈 them.

The backdrop before the show.

The stage from afar...

Hong doing a "Where's Wally?" ....muahahah...

I must admit, I seldom listen to Hong's mandarin songs. I always insist that his Canto songs are his best and have treated his mandarin songs as secondary. But tonight, I changed my mind. Listening to him belt out each number, I felt as if he was telling a story. The lyrics of each song suddenly touched my heart so much. When he sang 你变了, my tears just flowed like anything. 小丘was shocked and said to me "你哭什么嘛你？" Haha, I just couldn't help myself lor...

I'll write more about the concert in my next post.....

Halfway through, we went out to wait for the rest. Hung around at the 2nd floor and was dying to hear what else he was singing but we decided to keep some surprises til tomrrow. We were so restless that we "trespassed" the escalator that led up to where all the 花篮were placed and happily snapped photos. There were 花篮s from Dicky Cheung, Huang Yun Ling, Paco, and a few others, including Jay Chou. Jay Chou?? I took a double-take and asked 小丘, huh, did i see wrongly? I simply couldn't think of any reasons why Jay would send Hong a 花篮. Guess that proves that Hong 人缘好吧...Hehe...

When the concert finally ended, we all rushed out to the entrance to meet up with the rest and quietly hoped that Hong would leave from there and we could meet up with him. But alas, only when all the lights inside the concert venue closed, did we leave the place to head for Tong Hua Street Night Market to eat. As there were many of us, we had to split and share cabs. 小丘and Rui Wen both drove their scooters so I gamely agreed to follow 小丘. Wahhhhh actually I was quite nervous cos I have never in my life ridden on a scooter or anything on 2 wheels except for a bicycle. When 小丘handed me the helmet, I panicked and stammered eh how to wear this?? Then when i mounted myself on the scooter I was so afraid that she would drive off before I could stabilise myself and kept asking her where I could plant my feet. Then she told me that I don't have to hold her too tightly and not to sway too much as it would affect the front. Wahlau!!! In the end I sat up stiffly straight and only barely touched her jacket with my fingertips. Frankly it wasn't that bad la, as long as I relaxed, it was actually quite fun. But the scooter was pretty small and low power so I felt I was riding on a masak-masak vehicle. Then while riding, 小丘asked me to turn around to check if Rui Wen was behind. Iyo!!! I dare not even turn lor! So i just told her I dare not turn! Hahaha! Wasted I forgot to take a pic of me in the helmet and on the scooter!

Bottom left : 麻辣鸭血臭豆腐　Bottom right : O-a jian

While the rest ate wonton noodles, I opted for the mala duck's blood and chou doufu. Hehe. Been wanting to try it ever since I saw it being featured in some Taiwan food program. This is probably not the nicest in Taiwan but still not too bad la.

After food and chit chatting, we headed back to the hotel and were dead beat. After we took our bath and all it was already 3am I think. Slumped into bed to catch whatever beauty sleep we could catch, awaiting the next day to arrive. It was going to be an exciting day....:)

2007-11-22T22:28:00.000+08:00

Taipei and Hong in 72 hours

For the past 2 weeks, I've been incessantly raving about Hong ad nauseum. Although I don't think I owe my poor friends an apology for going on and on about him (hahaha good things must share ma u know?), I do owe myself this long overdue post. Have been sitting on it for days, so I guess I better get started before the memories fade away accidentally....

8th Nov 07 (Day 1)

I found myself at Changi Airport Terminal 1 yet again, waiting to board Jetstar Asia for the 4th time in 12 months. How come I'm contributing so much money to them?? Blame it on my last minute decisions and cheaponess. Last minute = airfares skyrocket; cheapo = take cheap airline. Jetstar should give me a frequent traveller card lor. But then again they are not exactly the cheapest. No refreshments, no food, no entertainment, I feel like I'm paying a premium for the flight manz. Well, knowing that I'll probably starve to death on the plane (this time no one to pass the purchased inflight meals around to share among 6 people), I headed for Burger King to gorge on a set meal before boarding. It's the first time I'm going to Taipei alone, the feeling was kind of strange, no happy and loud voices around me, no excitement, just quiet solitude...

After a 5+hr uneventful flight, finally arrived in Taipei. The airport looked so familiar yet I felt so alone (well I was alone what...haha). At the immigration, the officer looked at my passport and then at me. He asked, 你来过台湾吗？I said 有啊，今年一月刚来过。He said, 你怎么那么喜欢来台湾啊？很好玩吗？Huh??? What kind of stupid question is that? Cannot meh? I like what. I tried to contain my snarl and replied 哦，我来会朋友啦。。。 Which is true anyway. Tsk tsk. They should report him to Jolin Tsai (is she the Taiwan Tourism Ambassador now?)

At the 飞狗counter, I wasn't quite sure what ticket to buy (cos always not I buy de ma), so I was anxiously waiting for them to tell me that the bus was here. Was afraid I would miss the bus cos Candy and 小丘was waiting for me near the hotel already. Bus finally arrived after half an hour wait (felt like 2 hrs!). When I alighted at the bus stop near the hotel I was stumped cos it was in the middle of the road, and I had no idea which direction to go. Never felt so lost in Taipei before. Called Candy to get directions and took a short walk to the hotel. Weather was great!!! Nice and cool! Lovely....

When I stepped into the hotel, I was taken aback. Sorry la, but I was too used to the likes of Wonstar Hotel and Rainbow Hotel, but what was before me looked more like Marina Mandarin lor! I exclaimed to Candy 不是吧！我们需要住那么豪华的酒店吗？！Hahaha. 小丘，YoYo and her little daughter 欣贝（Bella）were waiting for me for dinner. Poor things must have been famished! Hehe.

Yo Yo's husband drove us to Rao He night market for dinner. We had this bee hoon soup meal with vege, meat and doufu. Simple yet delicious fare. After dinner, we decided to buy a few 胡椒饼back to try. The previous trips I never got to try cos the queue was always too long. But hor, we didn't eat it immediately when it was hot cos we were very full, so by the time we ate it in the hotel, it was hard as rock and the filling was just too meaty! Yucks! I hate pork meat and in such a big chunk, it was just off-putting. Don't think I'll try it again.

欣贝kept saying she wanted to 睡觉but became happy when we said we'll bring her go eat chua bing. Basically it's just like our SG ice kachang, but you get to pick your own ingredients to fill into the bowl before handing it over to the lady to put the ice on. Quite cool!

Oh ya, and this is cutie 欣贝, who wanted to go home already so wasn't in the mood to pose with us hahaha. She listens to Hong's songs also leh, and also calls him Uncle like the rest of the fans! Haha!

Before I arrived in Taipei, Candy and 小丘had gone to recce the 台北国际会议中心where Hong would be holding his 2-night concert. After our meal, they wanted to go back there and have a look if Hong was having his rehearsal so I just followed lor. True enuff, Hong was already there with the crew and I-have-no-idea-who-else looking serious and in deep discussion. His back was facing us so we didn't want to disturb him by calling out to in. After all, we had sneaked in. Haha. We settled ourselves in some seats further back and thought we'd stay for awhile, but this man came to us and ask 你们是康仔的。。。。？？Iyo, again a funny question. Can I say we are his girlfriends? Sisters? Why Taiwanese ask such weird questions de? Anyway he told us we couldn't stay there as Hong was having rehearsals and asked us to leave. 小丘was fuming but I thought never mind la, anyway I was tired liao and I didn't wanna disturb Hong also.

Headed back to the hotel and chit chatted with Candy before finally turning in. But I tell you, the pillows at the hotel suck! So flat! But it was too late and I was too tired to call housekeeping for more pillows so I had to bear with it.....

2007-11-06T00:24:00.000+08:00

Do you sometimes wonder, what if you had done this, or you haven't done that? Would your life now be different? "What if" is such a hypothetical phrase, yet lets you perhaps inject a little imagination in the humdrum of your mundane life. "What if" is not about regrets, certainly not about whacking yourself on the head for not accomplishing abc or for giving up xyz. Sure, there are times we will ask ourselves "maybe if we hadn't done that, we won't be what we are today. maybe if we've gone there, we won't be here today.

Okay I'm getting gibberish. Nonetheless, to me, the "what ifs" in live give you the chance to think about doing things better, trying out new adventures in your life, making your life a better one than it is already now. So when you are asking yourself what if 从来未发生, perhaps you should think about what has happened as a lesson learnt in life, cherish it and move on.

After all, we only live once.

从来未发生 - 苏永康

浮浮沉沉里太多路过人
却与你走近这是缘份
曾是我心爱情人
糊糊涂涂里也许合后必
分令我跌进黑暗
如临末日般被困

计算内这样事情原是没可能
可惜最终仍是发生
仍然是发生
当刻骨的爱飘散似灰尘
你也许不信
你也许不知道
长久以后感觉这伤痕

从未发生
当天可亲你总算我福份
现在纵使失去
而知道被他替代当你一半
多少有点兴奋

沉沉迷迷里爱得极放任
没有与你终老这是遗憾
无奈也出现裂痕
迷迷糊糊如堕入日月星辰
没法再看通透
前路像骤光骤暗

计算内这样事情原是没可能
不想发生仍是发生

2007-11-04T00:09:00.000+08:00

Hong @ Lunar!!!

This post is dedicated to my beloved Hong, as I so affectionately call him. 你跟他很熟meh? You may ask. Well, I've been following him and his songs since almost 10 years ago, when I started to actively look out for his news and even got in touch with some fans in SG and HK, whom I'm still good friends with til today. So many things happened but 10 years later, my support for him is still unwavering. And he is worthy of my support simply because he is genuine, unpretentious, caring and appreciative. How many such artistes can you find in the entertainment industry nowadays? Hong is a gem. =)

Recently, he has been making lots of news and appearances. He has already appeared in many Taiwan variety shows to promote his upcoming concert in Taiwan. To him, Taiwan was his 伤心地and he was skeptical about the response of the Taiwanese towards his comeback this time. However, his worries were unfounded - he received overwhelming response from his fans and the others in Taiwan. They have long forgotten the ancient saga and are ready to welcome him back with open arms. I'm so happy for Hong and proud of him at the same time. Hope his already sellout concert in Taiwan will be a huge success.

Anyway he had a showcase at Lunar Fusion Bar last Friday, and I rounded up some of the fans to go support him. Kind of exciting cos I haven't seen him since April (when I met him in HK during some event), it's like home-coming for him and like seeing an old friend come visit.

Met sis for dinner first before going to Lunar. Sis said Barfly's food was supposedly not bad, so we decided to give it a try. Indeed some fine dining cos the seafood platter we ordered was in such small portions that we took a double take. Somehow, we were expecting the American version of seafood platter hahaha. The pasta we ordered - mushroom and bacon in cream wine sauce was not bad, very tasty. But it got abit too creamy for me at the end, had to pop in some means to quell the queasiness hahaha. Overall, service was not bad plus we were treated to some lovely singing by jazz singer Olivia Ong.

Sis posing for a pic while waiting for our food.

Lighting was dim so my pic......haha

The seafood platter - we paid $22 dollars leh!!!

Mushroom and bacon pasta

After nua-ing for quite awhile at Barfly, we finally moved our butts to Lunar. Oh yah, actually before dinner we went to get our tickets first. I was in a fluster cos I had 2 separate arrangements for the tickets and the table. Alvin, who is also the drummer playing for Hong that nite helped book a table for me and my friends, while Adeline managed to help me get on the guest list hehehe... Anyways, met up with Yam, Chris, Celestine and her cousin and we proceeded into the bar for some drinks before the show started. Xiuwen joined us much later. At about 10.30, one of the resident bands started to play. As we heard that Hong was going to be performing around 10+, we all gathered at the side of the stage to standby in case Hong comes out soon.

Song after song the band sang, more and more people gathered. But still no sign of Hong. After the interval, the band played a second set. Our patience were wearing thin, and my legs were breaking cos I was wearing my highest of heels!!! Argh! At 12am, Hong wasn't even out! I wanted to scream cos we were so tired and it was not so nice for the young girls to go home so late. Was sms-ing with Candy and we were both wondering what the hell happened to Hong? Having chicken rice? Taking a long nap?? Hahaha.

FINALLY, at abt 1240am, Hong finally appeared. I tell you, I never felt so sian when I saw Hong. My face was black to the max and my legs were ready to collapse. We had waited for 2+hrs lor! But as soon as Hong opened his mouth to sing, we all melted. Redemption. The long wait was well worth it. It's so great to hear him sing live after such a long time and what made it better was he sang with a live band and we were able to see him upclose. I was (desperately) trying to catch his attention as he walked around the stage to sing. This short butt-shaking uncle had conveniently planted his opaque self in front of me so I had to stand super straight to look over his head. Thank god for my high heels. *smooches shoes*. With one hand armed with the camera (with the pouch dangling and occasionally swiping past the uncle's head hahaha), I tried to wave at Hong. Almost gave up cos the pub was dark and the place was packed. But I did not have to try too long before Hong saw me. Yay! When he saw me, his face lit up with recognition and he waved hard at me hahaha. And he did his trademark pointing and smiling at me. Wahahaha. Luckily he saw me if not I would be quite sad cos I knew I won't have the chance to speak to him later le. Anyway, when he saw me, all my friends wanted to beat me cos they say Hong always only recognise me! Haha of cos la, cos only I keep appearing in front of him since many years ago ma. Maybe me and Singapore are synonymous to him! Hahaha!

Hong's showcase lasted about 45 minutes and it was fantastic cos he did a variety of songs - Cantonese, Mandarin and an English song "Just Once". So nice!!! The crowd adored him and I could see he was very high also. This showcase was definitely worth the 2 hour wait cos it felt like a concert, complete with streamers and confetti at the end of the show. Even got encore!! hahaha. I was impressed and slightly amazed.

Hope he would come back here and have a concert soon...hopefully after his "Shanghai Blues" musical in SG next February and his HKG concert in April. Keep our fingers crossed!

2007-11-03T23:35:00.000+08:00

More Randoms

A pretty cupcake I had for breakfast one morning :)

Had Jap food for dinner couple of Fridays ago.... Can't remember the name of the restaurant but food was pretty good....

Raw cabbage with some spicy miso sauce - it's the appetiser served at every table. So big!!

Yakitori quail eggs with teriyaki sauce

Yakitori chicken and chicken balls

Yakitori scallops wrapped in bacon

Ebi tempura

Sashimi - forgot what fish is this le, but it's one of the fish of the day...

Then I spotted this cute little girl from the table inside the restaurant expressing immense interest in the big bottles of sake and the bottle openers at the fridge. Don't tell me her career dream is to be a tiger beer girl? =x

And lastly, check out the corniest menu tagline ever, courtesy of Noodle Place. I was so stumped I had to take a pic as evidence. Duhhhhhh.....

2007-10-14T02:36:00.000+08:00

My Shortest HKG Trip (Part 2)

Don't say I only take food pics hor, I managed to snap some pics of these cuties at McQuarter, the shop at 新世纪广场that sells all the McDull stuff, while Wendy was busy discussing her proposal of franchising the McDull collection in Singapore wahahahaha.

Cute hor???

Ok, back to food....haha! We ate these at 海王粥店near 花园街. I finally know how to walk to 花园街from Mongkok MTR station exit instead of Prince Edward le!

艇仔粥+油条+咸煎饼

My ultimate fav - 炸俩! Tastes best with the peanut sauce, chilli and sweet sauce! Yummy!

热豆浆- great with the yummy 油条！

咖喱鱼蛋配烧卖 - Pat Pat shared the food with us still felt hungry so ordered this hehe.

Next up was our 千里迢迢visit to the Yee Shun Milk Company (義順牛奶公司). Why I say that? Cos we walked the whole of Sai Yong Choi North Street to find it. The street machiam never-ending and the restaurant was located right at the end! But cos Grace and the rest wanted to try this badly so we persisted our journey and finally found it. Along the way, just few shops before Yee Shun, we saw 石磨坊,another dessert shop on our agenda. But since the aim at that moment was to eat the 炖蛋,we decided not to detour and headed for Yee Shun. (sob sob my 桂花糕!) Ermmm, frankly I think 炖蛋is really quite an acquired taste cos I really wasn't even able to swallow one mouthful of it. At the entrance, I already smelt the strong milk powder smell which made me gag a little. Maybe it's just cos I am not a milk lover (I'm not even a milk-drinker, I'm even convinced I'm lactose intolerant, so I'm already mentally prepared to get osteoporosis when I'm old le haha.). Only managed to eat one small spoonful of the ginger 炖蛋，but the normal one i really cannot tahan. But the rest were savouring every spoonful of it! That's why I say it's an acquired taste! But I think Wendy and Daniel didn't really fancy it also la cos they took only slightly more than me nia haha!

Ginger 炖蛋

Normal 炖蛋 - eeeks! (sorry la 炖蛋lovers!)

Before we went to the airport, we made a final dash to Mongkok for more last minute shopping and some serious dessert hopping. First up, we went to 满记甜品at Langham Place Shopping Mall. The sesame and walnut paste that I had was yummy, the texture was very smooth, unlike those we find in Singapore which always tend to be a bit lumpy. And the pancakes were nice too, and served to fill our stomach for the rest of the day.

My 芝麻核桃糊

Fang's 红豆沙

Mango, Durian and Banana Pancakes

Look at how much 3 of us ate! I feel like a pig now! Furthest bowl was Wendy's 芝麻糊豆腐花.

After stuffing ourselves with the delicious desserts, we chiong to 旺角中心to shop for another 1 hr plus. While I was busy bargaining prices, Fang and Wendy chanced upon this 凉面小吃and bought 2 packets to try. They liked it so much that we bought another 5 packets to eat later. Very nice de! Can choose the different ingredients to mix with the 凉面.

On the way back to the hotel to pick up our luggage, we stopped by 无印良品to get something. Then we realised next door was another dessert store. We looked at each other, glanced at our watches, then headed for the door. Hehehe how can we let any opportunity for last minute desserts pass us by? We ordered and finished our desserts in 10 minutes flat i think!

My 腐竹蛋糖水 - I thought the egg is mixed in the soup, who knows turned out to be one big egg! Faint.

Fang's 杨枝甘露

Wendy's 冻dunno what 蛋. Haha eat until forget liao!

After eating we chionged back to hotel in record time and boarded the taxi to the airport. I was super tired that I dozed off during the whole journey and reached the airport in a daze. Dunno issit I walked too much or had too much desserts haha! Fang and Wendy went to check in first then accompanied me to Terminal 2 to check in cos I was taking another airline. Discovered auntie and uncle and their relatives were also on the same flight. So qiao haha.

Guess where we spent the last moments in Hong Kong? Muahaha the 许留山outlet at airport! I had to have my last ditch mango fix before I head home mah. By the way, forgot to mention, actually the thing I really longed for was the drink 粒粒芒果爽but alas!!! 晴天霹雳! Dunno why, but the outlets in Mongkok area all were not selling this drink! Argh! I was very disappointed cos that was my ultimate fav leh. Luckily the airport outlet carried this drink so I ordered it on top of our desserts. Haha!

P/s: Christie, the following pics are dedicated to you! Hehehe! 下次我们一起去吃ok?

粒粒芒果爽

多芒西米露

杨枝甘露

Hmmm this should be the end of the gluttony journey. Til the next time I go to HKG ba! Hope I didn't cause you to drool too much with these pics hahahahahaha!

2007-10-13T23:25:00.000+08:00

My Shortest Ever HKG Trip

The past 2 weeks had been a nightmare. Frankly, I have never worked so late for the past few years of my working life. Call me a slacker, but I never believed in working late. It's an unhealthy bad habit that one should never start on. With the hectic work and the so many things that happened, I felt myself totally drained. I was physically and mentally tired. Then one fine morning, I found myself at the airport, making my way to HKG, making my own history for the shortest trip ever to HKG.

Kopi-o siu dai at 5am and a pensive me at the airport.

Luckily when I arrived in HKG, I found kind souls to put me up at their hotel haha. Thanks for letting me squeeze in your room dears! This bunch of people really made my short trip enjoyable with their full-of-nonsense, cam-whoring, fun-loving ways. Every moment we had there was eat eat eat laugh laugh laugh and shop shop shop (although some shopped more than the others la hahaha *guilty*). I was guilty of making them walk lots but I also brought them to some nice dessert places to make it up la hohoho.

Finally managed to find my fried 出前一丁！The last time I came with Mark, we walked in circles in Mongkok but couldn't find it (cos I was looking for the same shop front I saw last year, with the big wok of fried noodles and the 出前一丁mascot only to know that they renovated the shopfront liao...grrr). This time, I found the shop in a flash. The name of the shop is 车仔面. Ordered a variety of dishes to share and the funny thing about this trip is, before eating, everyone (and i mean each and everyone of us) will whip out our cameras to take pics of the food. Think everyone else must be thinking we are very sua ku!

杂锦车仔面

Soya sauce fried noodles

烧鹅

This is called 娃娃菜 - such a cute name right? Very yummy cos it's laden with garlic!

鲜虾云吞汤

Shortly after, we headed for my all-time favourite 许留山for desserts. I have been craving for my mango for the longest time already!! These were what we ordered and slurped up in no time....

红豆糕＋糯米糕＋禄茶糕 - all gone in 3 minutes flat!

I like how they layered this and the colour combi :)

MANGO GALORE!!! Slurp!

2007-10-13T22:19:00.000+08:00

Random Stuff

Ooops, realised I haven't blogged in eons (actually not realised la, I am consciously aware of it, just that laziness set in for way too long...haha). Here are some of the random stuff that I had wanted to blog on but never got down to it. Better kickstart this again before this becomes a white elephant (yes, I know some people have been faithfully coming here to check for updates ....=p)

Salad for dinner

One night I was feeling very fat so I decided to make some salad by throwing in some of the leftover veg, cherry tomatoes and crabstick in my fridge, with a dash of balsamic vinegrette. Looks good hor? But I got hungry after awhile. Hahaha.

My Walnut and Raisin Muffins

I had wanted to make banana muffins initially cos I had a bunch of super ripe bananas lying at home. Unfortunately by the time I reached, I realised the bananas were not super ripe already, they were almost 烂liao. Haha. Bo bian. So I decided to use the same recipe and made walnuts and raisins muffins instead. But I think I was too tired that night, my brains weren't functioning properly, so I sort of messed up the whole recipe. Basically I got all my steps wrong. Wanted to throw the whole mix away but iya since I already did so much, might as well bake them and see how badly they turned out.

Judging from the pics, they don't look that bad right? Hahaha. But I tell you, they were too hard and dry. I proudly named them "my rocks". Nonetheless, I received different feedback. Mark said they were quite hard but quite nice and brought a few to office for breakfast. Shannen, my ardent baking supporter, said she liked it, and that the degree of hardness was ok for her. I even saved 2 of my rocks for the birthday boy (since this year no birthday gift for him hahaha) and he said they were quite hard but got taste la. (-_-")

Will try to improve next time, hopefully can bake more delicious muffins. I'm thinking banana, blueberry, etc....HW don't drool and be patient hor? Haha!

Tall Egg Tarts

Came across an article in Sunday Life recently that introduced this special egg tarts that weren't like the conventional HK egg tarts but were tall and had many different flavours like chocolate, strawberry, blueberry and even chicken and mushroom (??!!). Anyway finally got to taste them and they were as good as they looked, especially the ones with the chocolate chips on top as they had a chocolate layered base that came as a ending surprise.

2007-09-23T01:32:00.000+08:00

Shape Run!

2 Sundays ago, I dragged myself up from my precious sleep at 6am and headed down to Esplanade with Sis for the Shape Run. We had registered for this like few months back and every week since then we told ourselves that we should resume our aerobics and start going to the gym to train for this event. But 2 months later, we had not even stepped into Amore.... I had serious reservations and doubts about the 5km run we had to do that morning, considering I had not exercised for months! I told myself, just do it, even if I walked the whole 5km, it would be quite something already.

Arrived at Esplanade and saw a sea of orange (the sponsored Nike running tee was bright orange, not unlike the life vests that one usually wears for seasports or the reflective vests the workers wear when laying the roads in the wee hours of the morning). Seriously, can't they choose a sweeter colour like pink or purple? After all this was a women-only run rite? Cannot be more feminine a bit meh? There were women from all walks of life, of all shapes and sizes, getting ready for the run. What amazed me was the number of men accompanying their wives/girlfriends to the run, armed with cameras to photograph this historical moment in their lives. These men can be bothered. (Ok, I'm being cynical...I actually thought that was a pretty sweet gesture la....)

When the run was flagged off, the hordes of women moved at snail's pace, I think i only passed the official starting line after like 3 minutes??? And, I actually started jogging! Me and sis decided we could jog half the distance and walk the rest. Not bad leh, ultimately, we managed to jog a good 3+km and walked the rest. Actually I could still continue but I felt a tad lazy and Sis was getting a little stitches so we just strolled and smelt the roses along the way. Haha.

So approximately 45min later, we reached the finishing line and headed for Marina Square where Mike was waiting for us. Collected our goodie bag and then left for Old Airport Road for some breakfast, after which I went home and took a good warm bath. And the rest of the day was spent slacking and sleeping on the sofa. I think it was more of the waking up so early rather than the run that made me super tired.....

For the next few days, I bore the brunt of the lack of exercise before this big run, cos I was practically dragging myself when walking! My thighs were aching like crazy and each time I stood up to walk after sitting down for too long, I had this excruciating pain in my thighs....can die! I vowed I would resume exercise once I recovered from these aches....(alas 2 weeks later, I am still exercise-free...hahaha!) Ok la, I will try la.....

Me trying to hide my early-morning face haha!My bib number....4D anyone? =p

2007-09-08T21:55:00.000+08:00

Pier Eleven at 11pm

Have read about this restaurant in some mags and forums but only paid a visit to it last week. Judging from the sophisticated sounding name, I thought Pier Eleven was located at some high class area so I was a little surprised that it was tucked away at slightly ulu Marina South Pier on the second floor. Somewhat unexpected. Plus the simple facade of the restaurant didn't look too impressive. However, the interior was a different feel altogether. In the dimly lit restaurant, the tables and seats were simple but cosy, and in the far corner, there were art pieces which gave the place a little arty-farty feel. A glass door led to the alfresco seating area which faced the sea. The night breeze was cooling and threatened to (and did) blow some remnant fruit stalks off the plates the waiters were serving.

We opted to sit indoor lest our food turned cold too quickly. Frankly, it was a tad late for dinner cos by the time we decided on our orders, it was almost 10pm. But we did order quite a fair bit, so 不肥才怪! Haha... Anyway, the food did not disappoint, but towards the end I was kind of stuffing myself in the face haha. Ok let the photos speak for themselves....Don't drool k? =p

2007-09-08T16:48:00.000+08:00

I Love You

Seriously, find me sadder lyrics than this..............

I Love You
主唱：陈伟联

I love you 所以只能说声对不起
任何借口都没有
I love you 已来不及好好去珍惜
后悔很多
不该让你无辜流下失措的泪
心碎仍是你陌生的世界
哭泣中回荡的笑语早已经冻解
多想能再和你梦里爱多一次
呼~~~呼~~呼~~

很沉重看你走着每一步
它应该是幸福的路
狠心推开你想你离得无纷故
你心上纹著我给你的伤
对我绝美的惩罚
想忘了我无法原来曾经拥有过
还失去痛苦

I love you 对你的至爱从不曾改变
要你快乐
I love you 好想对你说却来不及
后悔已太多
不该让你无辜流下失措的泪
心碎仍是你陌生的世界
空气中回荡的笑语早已经冻解
多想能和你梦里再爱多一次
呼~~~呼~~呼~~

很沉重看你走着每一步
它应该是幸福的路
狠心推开你是挽不回的错误
你心上纹著我给你的伤
对我绝美的惩罚
想忘了我无法原来曾经拥有过还比失去痛苦

我心上永远烙著你的伤
那么绝美的惩罚
想忘了我无法原来曾经拥有过
还比失去痛苦

2007-09-08T16:27:00.000+08:00

Fly high....

Went on a momentary blogging hiatus. Don't know why, each time i log on and click on new post, I don't know what to write anymore. But when I'm travelling on the bus home, or having a moment of solitude, so many thoughts flash through my mind and I make a mental note to blog about them when I get to my laptop. Alas, these thoughts never get translated into words, they are lost in space...Maybe this is writer's block ba....Anyhow, there is one thing that is probably worth a mention....

31st August 07 marked a special day in music history for my dear friend. His new album was finally released in Taiwan and is slowly gaining recognition amongst the Taiwanese and netizens. I'm happy and extremely proud of him. Hopefully this will be his big break into the international music scene and place him alongside the biggies in the Chinese music arena.

All the best my dear friend. You go boy.

2007-08-30T02:18:00.000+08:00

Pretty Bag Charm....

hehe I'm super tired liao but I must blog about the gift I received from Shannen today. It's uber sweet and nice! Made specially by her for me, the little doll on the bag charm is as sweet as me leh! wahahahaha....ok don't puke....Anyways, I really think it's so nice and classy....You all see for yourself ba....=)

oh ya, and let me know what you think of it k? hehehe...

2007-08-30T01:29:00.000+08:00

普通的你，普通的我，不普通的歌

If you're wondering what is the song playing at my blog, credits are given at the player on the right hand column...hehe. "普通的人" was first aired on Taiwan radio station HitFM on 22nd Aug and I've listened to it for the Nth time already. It's a song that grows on you and I get mixed feelings listening to it each time. Two nights ago, while on the bus home, I listened to it again, and for some reason, tears started welling in my eyes. Maybe it was the rain pouring outside that made me melancholic, maybe my eyes were just tired, maybe the song lyrics tugged at my heartstrings (and my tear glands at that).

That was the first time this song made me cry; it was just so bittersweet. Someone once told me, if there are bittersweet feelings, I should always keep the sweet feelings and discard the bitter ones cos they will come sooner or later. I guess it's probably true. What's the point of having bitter feelings in the face of uncertainty and make yourself miserable now? Why not make yourself happy with wonderful memories? Food for thought.....Meanwhile, I leave you with the song lyrics and let the song speak for itself. Enjoy....

普通的人--陈伟联

我~不是爱听你嫌我闷
只是为你多看你眼神
此刻幻想和他对调身份

他~比我讨好我都承认
那么容易让你心疼
无论我有多诚恳还是没资格竞争

太信任我知道我没输他几
分好知己那么多都成不了恋人
做情人没天分对爱我却比他更加奋不顾身~

只想做个普通的人
却不同到没有爱情肯为我转身
做不到一百分但却爱得坚诚
想成为你爱的人

就算做个普通的人
却想给你最暖的体温最深的吻
无论你肯不肯我甘心做陪衬
为你保留那对爱的天真

他~身边总是不缺情人
你须要拥抱说一声
什么原因我都不会过问

我~不能给你要的情分
却也微笑着做好人
当自己有梦有真表演单恋的剧本

谁认真谁强忍时间它会做证
精彩我沉闷什么都愿牺牲
当相爱和失恋同一天发生
我还是选择去等~

只想做个普通的人
却不同到没有爱情肯为我转身
做不到一百分但却爱得坚诚
想成为你爱的人

就算做个普通的人
却想给你最暖的体温最深的吻
无论你肯不肯我甘心做陪衬
为你保留那对爱的天真

我~~只想做个普通的人
却不同到没有爱情肯为我转身
做不到一百分但却爱得坚诚
想成为你爱的人

就算做个普通的人
却想给你最暖的体温最深的吻
无论你肯不肯我甘心做陪衬
为你保留那对爱的天真

无论你肯不肯我甘心做陪衬
总有一天爱情它会成真

2007-08-30T00:26:00.000+08:00

Concert invader!!!

Call me evil, but how can I not blog about the accidental invader to our late night concert last Friday! A group of us were happily belting out the latest hits and oldies at Kbox when we saw a guy lurking outside our door. Sensing that he probably got the wrong room, we all glanced at each other. The door really opened. Stranger walked in and closed door behind him. Stranger stared at handphone and was engrossed in his sms-ing. Stranger walked slowly towards the empty seat, eyes glued to his handphone. The guys continued to sing their Ronald Cheng song (loudly) while the rest of us stared at the stranger with mouths ajar in disbelief. Stranger almost sat down but looked up suddenly. Shocked to see himself in a room of strangers, he gasped and walked out hastily without even saying sorry. We laughed. LOUD. Think we laughed for a good 15 minutes, while I re-enacted the hilarious scene. Laughed some more. LOUDER. One of us commented at least we got some entertainment for the price we paid to sing. If the floor was clean we would be rolling on it. Much later, we realised the guy was actually from the next room. Wonder if he "overheard" us laughing hahahahahhaha!

Moral of the story - check before you enter, no matter how interesting your sms looked. =p

2007-08-28T20:58:00.000+08:00

Taiwan came to me....

...in the form of 大辣凉面, XXL 大鸡排, 杏仁茶 and Mister Donuts! hehehe. Our maid was so nice to specially go to Shilin to buy the food and pack them nicely in tupperware and fly them back to Singapore for us poor souls who couldn't make it to Taiwan with them this time round. We all huddled in the corner of Centrepoint Macs and displayed all the goodies on the table (while a couple of them bought Macs to eat for dinner, leaving the goodies for us). Service was exquisite. The XXL 大鸡排 came reheated and lovingly wrapped in newspaper to keep in the heat. The 凉面 was chilled, with the sauce separately packed to preserve freshness. And the donuts remained intact in the kawaii Bart Simpson box. We all tucked in heartily....

Don't see the packaging so lok kok hor, when I ate the 凉面 and 鸡排, the memories of Taipei came flooding back....I can almost imagine myself sitting at the 凉面stall at Shilin, sharing the crazily spicy noodles with my Taipei gang while trying to douse the fire of our flaming mouths with the hot coffee from the cafe behind the stall. Those were the days......

Haha dun see the packing so lok hor....内有乾坤 ok? =p

The 凉面 without the 大辣 sauce. The noodles were still QQ after one night and taking the plane leh!

The yummilicious XXL 大鸡排, eat le got such a 幸福的感觉! Hahaha!

Our dessert - Mister Donut : Green tea mini donuts (left), Aloe vera and lemon donuts (right). Very interesting flavours and very chewy texture - nice!

The food disappeared in a flash, leaving us wishing for more more more... I was having flashbacks about my 红油抄手, duck popiah, smelly beancurd with sour veg and lots lots lots moreeeeeeeee.....faint.

While digesting our food, we also hooked on to the free wifi at Macs to tune in on the debut airplay of his new song on Taiwan's radio station HitFM. Alas, when they finally played it, the place was too noisy, we all had to stick our ears against the laptop to try and catch it. I think it was quite a sight to behold , 4 heads aiming at the laptop....iya, should have taken a pic hahaha!

Anyways, thanks friends for all the food, the gifts and the hoegaarden (hic!). =)

2007-08-17T00:59:00.000+08:00

Organic Experience

Eh eh eh...read properly, it's organic not orgasmic ah...haha ok not funny...Anyways, Shannen and I decided to try the new organic restaurant, called Organicafe Xperience, located next to California Fitness at Orchard during lunch time today. Being our first time eating at an organic restaurant, we didn't really know what to expect nor order. So to make it simple, we ordered the set lunch which included a soup of the day, a main dish, a drink and a dessert.

Service was good and fast. Our food came at a comfortable pace and the presentation was pretty impressive with white cutlery in interesting shapes and sizes. Food tasted good as well, since it included some fish and chicken, and not only grass (haha). Shannen's only grouse was the ice citron tea which she found tasted like medicine but i kinda liked it cos it tasted like pomelo. She ordered a cappucino in the end and I ended up with 2 glasses of tea. Faint.

Soup of the day was clam chowder accompanied by a sugar stick biscuit- quite yummy!

Shannen's choice - Fish & Chips with side salad, fish had QQ texture, pretty yummy!

My choice - Grilled chicken with mushroom sauce, veggies and wedges .

Chicken was nicely grilled and sauce and veg went well with it.

Dessert was Vanilla ice-cream with fruit cocktail and raspberry sauce - nice!

Haha strange I didn't take a pic of the citron tea which Shannen hated, maybe it looked too plain. And there was alfafa sprouts in all the dishes! Dunno why but whenever I see alfafa sprouts I think of Tan Kheng Hua in Phua Chu Kang cos she kept forcing her son to eat them! =p

Overall we had a great bonding session over a satisfactory lunch. Your treat next week ya gal? Hehe.

2007-08-13T23:06:00.000+08:00

你怎么舍得我难过

Was watching a chinese variety show and Huang Pin Yuan started singing this evergreen classis 你怎么舍得我难过 to Huang Yun Ling who apparently just divorced or something. Such a touching scene. Reminded me of April this year when I was in Hong Kong watching this Chivas concert showcasing many stars (of course including my beloved Hong), and Huang Pin Yuan performed this song. His angsty and heart-breaking delivery sent shivers up my spine and tears down my face. When I was younger, songs only seemed like melodies to me, lyrics were just an accompaniment. Now, lyrics capture my attention first. And listening back to some of the old songs, I actually go on a journey of rediscovery. Good lyrics really add depth and meaning to a beautiful melody. I like.

对你的思念是一天又一天
孤单的我还是没有改变
美丽的梦何时才能出现
亲爱的你好想再见你一面

秋天的风一阵阵地吹过
想起了去年的这个时候
你的心到底在想些什么
为什么留下这个结局让我承受

最爱你的人是我
你怎么舍得我难过
在我最需要你的时候
没有说一句话就走

最爱你的人是我
你怎么舍得我难过
对你付出了这么多
你却没有感动过

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Wow, I wonder if I have the 6th sense! After posting this, I turned on Yu Le Bai Fen Bai and there was Huang Pin Yuan being featured and he was singing this song! Wahhhhhhhh.....Maybe I xin you ling xi with Xiao Zhu hor? wahahahahahaha. Ok crap...hehehe

2007-08-12T02:27:00.000+08:00

What do you do when things are not what they seem to be? Will you turn confrontational in search for the truth? Or will you keep mum but can't help speculating? How much trust and faith do you have in the person or the issue at hand? It's hard to strike a balance, especially when you throw in some rousing emotions and irrationality.

Quite a few incidents arose among some people around me these few days and they set me thinking. There are people who will stop at nothing in the pursuit of the truth. There are those who will swallow and pretend nothing is really wrong. What really is the truth then? So what if you know it? Can you handle it? Should you or should you not pursue it? It will always be a dilemma.

Some truths are probably better off not to be known. It may change your perception of people and things forever. Then you might wish you hadn't known the truth at all. Life's just so complicated. Vicious cycles that go round and round, so vicious that they consume you, into the depths of helplessness and despair. You just have to hope that you will not one day hit the bottomless pit. But if you do, you better make sure you threw in a rope with you for that needed escape.....

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Phew, sorry for the serious post. Now for some bitching.....to those crazy not-so-young people (you know who you are but you dunno I'm talking about you hahahaha), stop living in disillusionment and think you can dabble with other peoples' lives! It's none of your business, so SHOO! muahahaha.

2007-08-10T23:04:00.000+08:00

One-week recap

Nah nah nah see see see..... I really didn't have the perseverance to blog daily right? Hehe. Ok, I'll try to make amends from now on hahaha.

Last Saturday, People's Park was a-calling so Sis and I headed there for some shopping therapy. Both of us were in the mood for spending money (unfortunately....) and spent quite a bomb there. Luckily I was carrying my large tote bag so I managed to stuff all my buys into it without having to lug all the little plastic bags and looking auntie haha. And I was sorely reminded of Hong Kong at the rate our cash depleted and our shopping bags piled. Wait for me HK!

The hole in my pocket was further widened after my visit to the dentist on Monday for root canal treatment and wisdom tooth extraction. I was really worried about having to go through the ordeal but hey, I took it like a brave girl! And there really wasn't much pain to be endured as my whole mouth was numbed but the thought of my tooth being yanked out from the gum was ....eeeeeeewwwww.....as soon as it was out, the dentist asked me "Are you ok?" and all I could mutter was "Gross!". Haha. And hey, thanks for taking leave to accompany me. =)

3 days of MC ensued and I took the chance to take a short break from work (but those people kept calling and smsing me! Argh!!). I really wonder how can some people be so inconsiderate. I wouldn't disturb my colleague if he/she is on MC, unless it's a matter of life and death. Seriously, what can be so important lor....

Anyway 3 days passed so quickly, then came National Day holiday and one more day of work and ta-da, it was weekend again! Why can't the week be made of 2 working days and a 5-day weekend? Ok, I'll go on dreaming.......

Oh ya, the other day I walked past the new donut shop called e-donuts at Le Meridien so I bought a box to try. Hmmm, I think Donut Factory is still nicer lay, but if you need a quick fix for your donut craving, can try this lor. At least you don't have to spend 2 hours of your precious life queuing for it....

The packaging and

the donuts

2007-08-07T01:35:00.000+08:00

My First Cupcakes

One fine evening, I was sick of working and started to surf for cupcakes and muffin recipes. Been wanting to get the hand held whisk from OG cos I didn't want those big chunky whisks sitting on my kitchen top or in my cupboard. So I decided tonight's the night. I will get the whisk, and go get some ingredients to experiment on my first cupcakes. Hehe.

After mulling over the baking section in the supermarket for a long while (cos the ingredients look super foreign to me. Hello, I last baked in secondary school! hahaha), I finally got all the stuff I needed and lugged the whole lot home on bus 16. Think I looked uber auntie with the plastic bags and there were no seats! Really lang bei ok. But nevermind, I had to act cool. I am expert at looking aloof. Hmph.

To cut the long story short, these were my buys for the night:-

So I got down to work.......

And these were the end result....

Can la hor? Considering I haven't baked in yearrrrrrrrs! Hehe.

So far those who had a chance to taste it says they are not bad, but I think there's room for improvement though. Will try harder! Til then, haha!

2007-08-07T01:10:00.000+08:00

I finally got started

Finally, I decided to start my own blog to while away my extra time when i have some, after much procrastination. Haha. Ok I was just lazy. Let's see if this is sustainable. I highly doubt myself cos I have a penchant of not being able to keep up with new hobbies. So, we shall see....muahahaha.