confessions of a sinful believer

2008-01-02T19:23:00.000+08:00

I have moved HERE.

2007-12-14T22:44:00.000+08:00

If there's one thing I really really miss...
It's dancing.

2007-12-03T20:06:00.000+08:00

Ok, so before this blog gets stagnant again, lemmie share with you some pictures from my recent press trip to Bangkok!

~Proudly sponsored by the good rice people at Golden Phoenix~

DAY ONE

After touching down, we were immediately whisked away to our hotel to unload and then off to brave the hideous Bangkok jam before arriving at our destination - The ABC Cooking School

Thats me being the chef's assistant, only because I was being sabo-ed by the rest! Geez. That is what happens when you're the youngest. Hurhur.

Gayle, from Food & Travel, got it too. Haha. She had to peel prawns!

Two dishes we learnt how to cook - Thai-style Fried Rice & Pineapple Rice with Seafood

Two dishes we actually cooked - Tom Yam Kung and Sticky Rice with Mango (done sushi style)

Josephine, from Se Xiang Wei, and myself with our Tom Yam Kung (and holding up the prawns I helped to shell. heh.)

And here's us posing with our packets of Golden Phoenix rice before leaving the cooking school. Haha! It felt so weird, like we were mini-celebrities. When we first arrived at the school, there were tons of people around, constantly taking our pictures. I really can't imagine how uncomfortable and exposed celebrities must feel...
From L to R: Our guide, Jen Lee (The New Paper), Ambiga (NTUC Lifestyle), Me, Gayle (Food & Travel), Josephine (Se Xiang Wei), Kenny (Mileage PR) our cooking instructor, Bonnie (Golden Phoenix Rep), Z (Chinese Gourmet Magazine...Gah...Can't remember the name!)

The cooking class ended later than planned and we were caught in the insane rush-hour traffic on our way to the Siam Niramit show. By the time we arrived, we only had time to empty our bursting bladders and find our seats in the ginormous theater. We completely missed the buffet dinner that we were supposed to enjoy before the show!

Too bad we weren't allowed to take pictures during the show. It was pretty spectacular with all the sounds, special effects, flying around (yes! FLYING!), songs and dance. It helped that I went for SE2101 because a lot of the performances were based on traditional Thai folk stories.

I did manage to take pictures outside though, albeit not the most interesting. Haha!

Elephant! I love animals!

Heehee. Yet another 'elephant'.

The words read "The stage of SIAM NIRAMIT is certified by GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS as the highest in the world". No kidding. They need the height for all that flying around!

(To find out more about the show, click HERE)

The entire show took about 1 hour 45 minutes. By the time all of us fought with the crowds to got out of the theater, collect our cameras (we had to deposit our cameras! so strict one...), find each other among the hordes of mainly ang mo tourists, we were absolutely starving!

So we all voted to go for a much needed late night supper. So we told the driver to take us somewhere to eat. So we all got into the van.
Guess what. It took the driver about 45 minutes to get us to our dinner destination. I mean. How hard is it to find food in Thailand??! Street food is EVERYWHERE!
Geez.

Finally, we ended up at a popular chicken rice place.

Pork rib & bittergourd soup + duck & black mushroom soup + lotsa chilli sauce

Chicken! I can't really tell you if it was good or not because I was hungryyyyy. The piece of chicken blood was untouched by the ladies at my table. Instead, it was promptly sent over to the other table and eaten up happily by Z!

This is what you get when you order cold water. Despite the brownish tint (i'm guessing due to tea leaves or smthg) it just tastes like plain ol' water.

The Full Feast!

After satisfying our tummies, finally, we arrive back at The Hotel Intercontinental.

The Study and Sitting Area

The huge comfortable bed - Just to prove how huge the bed was, when I slept on the left side, I woke up in the morning the find the right side still neatly straightened and folded, the door hanging thingies didn't move an inch either!

Close up of the study area.

Complimentary kiwi fruits! Too bad I didn't have the time to enjoy them. If they gave fruits that didn't need peeling, I might have gotten round to eating them!

And that's all for Day one. Stay tuned for more!

(:

2007-11-22T19:05:00.000+08:00

When I first laid eyes on thatttttttt Anya Hindmarch bag in March, I thought it was cute and quirky and thus proceeded to contact my friends residing in UK to see if they would be so kind as to help me get it.

But lo and behold, suddenly, the whole world wanted that bag too. Updates on the Anya Hindmarch website stated that outlets were completely sold out, as was the online shop, and new stocks would be severely limited. The craze then flooded into Asia where anyone who was anyone, or rather their PAs, scrambled to speed dial the PAs at their respective local Anya Hindmarch boutiques to secure thatttttttt bag for their superstars. At the point in time, I was already with SWW and the fashion stylist called up a friend to put my colleagues and I on the waiting list. Alas, it was not to be as in the end. The waiting list was never looked at and possibly, there was never a waiting list to begin with.

Come to think of it, I'm quite glad I didn't get the bag. Given the amount of fakes I see everywhere, even if you were carrying the authentic one, people would still snigger and think "fake one lah". I'm very sure Anya Hindmarch herself would be mortified, and bemused, at the sight of everyone, from HDB aunties to pimply teenage girls totting thatttttttt bag.

But being the environmentalist that I am (Don't laugh ok. I hate the thought of wasting water, electricity and using plastic bags!) I really wanted to get hold of thatttttttt bag. However, I have found for myself a replacement! Not to mention a much more expensive one than thatttttttt bag.

So what bag did I get? *drumroll please..........the Market Bag by Cole Haan. Made of environmentally friendly canvas material, the versatile bag is also reversible - one side reveals the signature Cole Haan logo while the other side features a brown gingham-type continuous pattern. It's also big enough to dump in press kits to free up hands for giving out name cards at events!

Never heard of Cole Haan? Doesn't matter because it means that the bag is unlikely to be copied into lousy replicas found in pasar malams or far east. It also means lesser people carrying it! Heehee.

I know I know. One whole blog entry dedicated to my latest purchase. But then again, this is after all a GIRL'S blog. It's bound to have shopping entries and other girly ramblings right.
Right right right?

RIGHT.
(:

P/s to CHERIE TOH - I don't get to wear jeans to work! Only on photo shoot days!

2007-11-13T23:04:00.000+08:00

Four months into my job (not counting the two months of internship) and I'm definitely, as cliche and horribly McD as it sounds, loving it.

I love trying out the food I know I'll never be able to afford, going for private previews, events and launches, getting the VIP treatment (most of the time anyway) as well as the different people I've come to know and interact with.

But it is frustrating. To be in a job that I love and can see myself doing for quite a while, but yet, to not quite be in the job.
Pardon the apparent incoherence.
Just to explain myself, and the sentence above, right now, I'm on a "retainer" basis.
To put it simply, I'm one up from being a zero-paid "sai kang" intern but one down from being a fairly paid full-time staff.
I mean, I have a name card and all, as well as the credibility to be able to go on press trips representing the Singapore Women's Weekly (more on this later) but it just isn't the same.
Everyone's been telling, or at least hinting, to me that I'm being exploited. Even the photographer I work with has been taunting me about my lack of concrete status and measly pay every time I meet him on photo shoots.

Well, like I said before, its something very very hard to give up. Despite the pay, I've been gladly hanging in there, scrimping on transport like crazy just so I can pocket the full amount of transport allowance. Thanks to Lili too for accompanying me to events and food-tasting sessions so that she can claim the cab fares.
But yes, I know I know. Something definitely has to be done.
BUT, stubborn as I am, I'm still waiting for something to happen.
It's already past the three month mark and I'm expecting a "pay revision" as stated on the contract. Of course that doesn't necessarily imply a pay raise but I'm being optimistic.
That's the least I can do right now.
Heh.

On to my press trip! My very first one at that.
I'll be heading to Bangkok for a press trip proudly sponsored by the rice people at Golden Phoenix.
Yup. This translates into an itinerary filled with visits to the rice padi fields, rice factory and a cooking class featuring, what else, RICE!
Haha.
I'm not complaining though, especially since everything is fully paid for (except for shopping and lunch on the last day. heh.) and planned.
It also helps that I'll be staying at the 5-star Hotel Intercontinental with a room all to my little self! Haha! It does sound indulgent, but I think I rather stay with someone else. Its a bit too creepy to be sleeping alone in that big ol' room.
My only hesitation is with the people I'll be going with. So far, from what I heard from Ange, there's going to be two other persons, one from NTUC FairPrice and the other from the Straits Times.
I'll be meeting them this Thursday when the PR fella (coincidentally with the same name as my dog. hurhurhur.) hands out the plane tickets over lunch at Thai Express (how awfully apt.).
I'm crossing my fingers, and toes, and praying like crazy that I'll be able to click with them. If not, I foresee quite a dreadful trip.
Another peeve? It's from Friday to Sunday! How dare they eat up my weekend! Initially I thought I could get the Monday off but it turns out I have an event to attend. But its alright. Its the launch of the newly renovated Food Junction at Great World City and the children from Club Rainbow have been invited too. Should be a worthwhile trip out of the house!

Hopefully I'll not fall into the lazy-trap and update more often.
Preferably with pictures, because, at least for me, I find the more interesting blogs are filled with pictures. Haha.
I wanna get a new camera!
(:

Jo, Me, Ange, Lusi, Pris
(Photo Shoot @ Olive Restaurant)

2007-11-05T19:07:00.000+08:00

I couldn't fall sick at a worst time. Actually, I suppose I could. But just let me rant.

Because of my runny yet dry runny ~~tap~~ nose, dry and itchy throat and consequential dry eyes, I missed out on a food-tasting session at Peach Blossoms and had to leave office early which resulted in me missing out on a advertorial briefing.
This means that I have two advertorials to churn out tomorrow morning before I have to run off to attend a string of events.
If I'm not well tomorrow, I'll have to lug myself through returning a bunch of extremely heavy Le Creuset pots (which includes going from the office to the studio then to the return location, I don't even want to think about the can fare I'm going to incur), a high-tea tasting session at The Fullerton Hotel and later rushing to the Meritus Mandarin for a Christmas tasting.
I know I know. I shouldn't be complaining about the last two but its definitely no fun when you're sick. Not to mention down with the flu bug.
It just kills your taste buds.

Heh.
It is kinda horrible that my first post after being MIA for so long has to be nothing but complaints.
But at least it became a sort of catalyst to kick start this blog again.
I was contemplating on moving to another blog address but my lack of creativity and alright, I admit, plain laziness to use some brain cells has halted that move.
For now at least.
I feel like I need a new home, a new channel.
Hmm.

If you read this in time,
do pray for me!
I definitely am going to need God's strength to keep me hanging in there!

(:

2007-11-01T15:53:00.000+08:00

I promise to start blogging again.

It's just a matter of when.

Until then,

Know that I'm still alive.

And very much kicking!

(:

2007-09-10T21:56:00.001+08:00

Just a wee little post to let everyone i'm still alive (yay!) and to update a lil bit on what's been going on...

hmm. lemmie think. It's been pretty much work work work ever since I became "junior food coordinator". But don't let the new post fool you. I'm still being paid peanuts (speaking of which, its already sept 10 and i still haven't got paid for august!) and the workload is getting heavier by the second.
But it's still manageable and rather fun actually. Just like any job, there are the high, insane, crazy deadline periods and the slow lullaby periods. They balance out each other i suppose. Thankfully they do. Haha.

Hmm. what else. Well, i coordinated my first photo-shoot and styled my first set of 10 dishes! Woohoo! haha. it was nerve-wrecking i tell you. But i managed to pull it off despite my inexperience and what felt like the entire butterfly park in my tummy.
will post them on this blog once i get my hands on them. Hehe. same with my other "hand" pictures. Haha. (pun not intended!)

Besides work, i made a really short 3days 2nights trip to bangkok.
which, most unfortunately, was unsuccessful.
i mean, i still have quite a bit of thai baht left! thats saying a lot isn't it. haha.
yeah. didn't get much for myself.
BUT, i'm proud to say that i got more stuff for my friends then myself!
*BIG GRIN.

Oh, and my whole family, plus the extended family, and of course, JY, made a trip down to the hotel intercontinental last saturday.
I was given a free one-night's stay voucher at the executive suite and decided to hand it over to my parents for them to enjoy.
But them being the nice people they are, decided to invite the whole gang down to share in the fun
and experience something we probably will never get to ever again.
situated at the highest floor of the hotel (which is already reflective of the price of the room!), the minute me, my bro, JY, esther, and my aunty entered the front door, we were totally blown away.
the size of the room, the height of the ceiling, the size of the flat-screen tv, the large 6-seater dining room set was too overwhelming.
i had to walk around the place a few times before i finally slumped down on the comfy L-shaped sofa and channel surfed through the 20 over channels available.
the bathroom, as one can expect, was equally plush with its gold, but not gaudy, fixtures, the l'occitane bath products, the fragrant potpourri and the soft bathrobes hanging behind the door.
gosh, i sound totally incoherent but thats how overwhelmed i was.
and of course, how could we forget the bose radio in the room and the free fruits garnished with a stalk of orchid for the taking.
i'll post the pictures once i get them from my brother.

well, i'm just glad that my parents really enjoyed their stay.
they totally lived it up and were even given a free breakfast buffet on sunday morning.
absolutely lovely to see them so happy.
(:

hopefully, i'll be posting regularly again.
so much coming up and so much to look forward to.
suddenly, i feel like an adult.
suddenly things are different.
suddenly i feel like im different.

hmm.

2007-08-20T13:34:00.000+08:00

Just another day at work...

2007-08-19T19:27:00.000+08:00

For those who have been hearing my incessant gushings and whinnings

(actually, it would just be poor michele and JY)
about the Marc Jacob jelly mouse flats,
rejoice (!) for I have found myself a much cheaper pair of replacements.
Sure they're not the real thing,
nor come close to being anywhere near the style, comfort and name of Marc Jacob-produced goods,
But,
they look almost the same but cost only $9.90!
Woohoo!

Hooray to super-duper cheapo knock-offs for the underpaid fashionistas.

the original marc jacob red flats:
unfortunately, the $9.90 ones don't come in red.
so i got myself one in bronze:
if you look carefully, you'll notice they even copied the holes on the sides of the shoes!

Oh,
have I mentioned I'll be going to Bangkok?
Yay to my mummy who somehow, amazingly, managed to convince my dad to go.
Haha.
And JY, practically by default, is coming along too.
Now how cool is that.
13 more days to the shopping and eating paradise!

(:

2007-08-18T12:43:00.000+08:00

Sorry for the lack of updates.
Been relatively busy, out of the house often and just plain lazy to update.
Hurhurhur.
But here's one so you know I'm still alive and kicking.

Caught two movies this week.
Rush Hour 3 and The Bourne Ultimatum.
Rush Hour 3 was ok I guess. I found it to be rather short and totally predictable.
But then again, they're merely following the standard tried-and-tested Hollywood formula of good guys always win.
At least they tried to put in some twists and superfluous characters (I totally didn't get the point of that weird Chinese lady at the gentlemen's club).
And the jokes were cringe-worthy. Haha. Terribly lame, borderline racist and crude.
But nonetheless, it is afterall Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan.
What else could go wrong?

The Bourne Ultimatum on the other hand, gets both thumbs up from me.
Considering that I'm not much of an action movie fan, that's really saying a lot about the movie.
I love how the director played with so many camera angles and the editing was superb.
The fast pace of the action was actually in tune with the morality behind the movie, rather than just punching and spewing blood around for the sake of it.
And thanks to my cousin for the free preview tickets!

Work-wise, I've been doing ok.
I've got a great editor, a manageable workload, flexible working hours, casual dress-code, free food every week and colleagues who are nice.
There are, of course, challenges coming my way.
Like the upcoming photo shoot where I have to be the food-stylist for 10 reader recipes.
It's nerve-wrecking because I've never done it before.
But thankfully the cook working with me is really supportive and the other food-stylist has offered to help as well.
Thank God for always providing me with these little reassurances.
And JY too for accompanying me to Daiso to pick out the plates and what not.
And of course carry them for me.
Heh.

And finally,
to my dearest uni SPG,
let's meet up the week after!
Before you guys get so caught up with school work!

(:

2007-08-11T12:45:00.000+08:00

so finally i'm getting paid.
but its a measly amount.
lesser than half of the starting pay i can garner outside as a fresh grad.

its really crazy i know.
yet i can't give up this job.
not just the perks,
but the fact that i really enjoy it is what keeps me hanging on.

it doesn't help that its not really a permanent job too.
but i'm giving it 3 months.
and then,
sadly,
we'll have to see whether i'll be forced to move on.

sigh.

2007-07-29T20:13:00.000+08:00

For those of you who don't already know by now, probably because ure some random reader or I haven't spoken to you in a while, I'm a food-critic-in-training. Yup. Scrawny little me is slowly training up my palette to be more discerning about what touches my taste buds.

For the past 2 months or so, there definitely has been hits and misses. I'm not too sure if I'm allowed or should be openly dismissing some places, so, I'll just stick to being politically correct and give you the lo-down on the eating scene in Singapore. Or at least try to. Heh.

But here's one restaurant that I rather highly recommend.

Place:
Brown Sugar
Address:
277 River Valley Road, Stardus Clubhouse
(between Kim Yam & Mohd Sultan Rd, enter via Institution Hill)
Reservations call:
63336612 (its a must! its quite a small place, only seats about 35)
Website:
www.brownsugar.com.sg (please remember to type in the "sg"...without it...erm...yar...you get to a site with questionable content -_-'")
Misc:
Free Parking (both in front and at the back of the building)

Setting:

Delightfully cosy and casual, plush and comfortable seating, gorgeous cream coloured wallpaper, mirrored walls, soothing and non-intrusive background music.

Must Try:

Deconstructed Apple Salad
$13
Salad of deconstructed apples, walnuts, brie, apple balsamic dressing

Wagyu Burger
$28
Hand-chopped wagyu burger, truffled mushroom sauce, salad and fries

Sticky Date Pudding
$10
Sticky date pudding with brown sugar butterscotch, walnuts, vanilla ice cream

Pear Tarte Tatin
$12
Tarte tatin of pears with honey and fig ice cream

Other dishes worth mentioning (but have no pictures):
organic mushroom soup, seared tuna salad with capsicum salsa, traditional oxtail stew with mash

If you do go, let me know how the food and service is like.
Sometimes they're nicer towards us because they know we're from the media.
Which, I'm not complaining about of course.
(:

2007-07-21T14:08:00.000+08:00

I'm already done with my 7th week of internship.

It's been a great experience so far.
It has allowed me to learn more about myself, what I'm really capable of and meet so many new characters, interesting, weird and totally out-of-this-world.
Most importantly, it has given me the assurance that this is the line of work I really want to see myself get into.

But of course, I'm not closing any doors just as yet.
I'm still young, still full of energy and still have the time to make mistakes.
I want to try everything, sample everything, dip my toes into everything.
From the conventional to the slightly more adventurous.
So many options, so little time to do it all.

Of course, not everything has been fine and dandy.
I've had my fair share of stress, let-downs and moments of frustration.
But I thank God that He has never ever let go of my hand, even when I felt I was alone.
Praise God for always knowing whats best for His frail little children.
Though there are still more unresolved issues, feelings and emotions,
and questions of why He has put me in various situations,
I know and trust that He will still be there.
Thanks too to all those who have been patient enough to hear me rant and praying for me!

Anyway, before my blog gets too boring, I will now present to you with an onslaught of pictures!
Pictures are always a good thing.

The ceremony speaker who just couldn't stop fidgeting!

Michele!

Me!

Us!

Us again!

JY, Me, Michele

Family

Me + Mum

Me + JY

Me + Bro

Me + Bro (again!)

Me + Dad

Dad, JY, Me, Mum, Bro

Ally, Me, Mish

Ally (the photographer!) + Me

Close-ups of my pretty flowers

(:

2007-07-14T13:07:00.000+08:00

given the nature of my job i actually have tons and tons to write about.
but also because of the nature of my job i just don't feel like writing anymore when i'm home.

HAHA.

but.
i promise i'll provide all you readers out there with a proper post.
and hopefully i'll remember to bring my camera along to capture the more interesting moments.
or just the plain crazy moments of indulging in cam-whoring.

Hurhur.

anyway,
the August issue of Women's Weekly is out!
Go grab a copy!

(:

2007-07-07T01:46:00.000+08:00

exhausted.

drained.

hungry.

2007-06-23T11:02:00.000+08:00

My absence and lack of posts can only be due to one thing.
WORK.
It's been relatively ok actually.
But just that by the time I get home all I want to do is sleep.
Haha.
I'm definitely not working as hard as Michele though, who has unfortunately dipped her toes in too many areas.
She's been running around a heck lot more than I am.
Always out of the office for photo shoots, sourcing and whatnot.
While I have been out of the office, yes for sourcing too, but I seem to be able to take my time to walk around town looking for suitable things, occasionally stopping to peer into Pull and Bear or Zara and getting myself a drink from Orange Julius.
Haha!
SHHHHHH.
Don't tell anyone!

And of course, there's been the insane amount of feasting.
Places I've been to (and have been given VIP treatment) are Dolce Vita@The Oriental, Fish&Co.@Paragon, Marche@Vivocity, Say Cheezecake@Great World City.
My next week is just as packed.
Mon - Cilantro Modern Asian@Purvis Street
Tues - Steward's Riverboat@Marina South
Wed - Photo shoot@Yew Tee and Purence Dew Water Launch@The Boiler Room
Thurs - Fujitsu Launch@VivoCity

Gosh.
I really love working in the media!

Well.
I'm really enjoying this change in lifestyle actually.
The transition from being a student to being a semi-professional.
(Though not being paid, but then again, I knew what I was getting into.)
And this has no doubt brought about changes to the way I am, the way I see things, the way i feel about things.
It's scary.
It really is.
Perhaps it has been occupying my time so well.
Perhaps it has been that final step in securing my confidence and doing well on my own.
But suddenly,
It struck me that I am going have to unlearn all of this in an instant.
I'm not sure what to do, if I want to, but I know I have to.
Not entirely,
but having to
re-adapt, re-adjust and re-align
is just
daunting.

I'm at a total loss.

2007-06-17T21:15:00.000+08:00

I. Absolutely. Adore. Her. Dress.
and her
gorgeous
Christian Louboutins.

Sigh.
Why doesn't money grow on trees?
(or at least, why aren't i getting paid?)

2007-06-16T22:27:00.000+08:00

I can't believe 2 weeks has already passed since the start of my internship.
I suppose I'm finally getting the hang of things and adapting well to the working environment there.
Making new friends and giving other people a second chance (due to miserable first impressions).
Also, I'm learning how the industry works and all the hard work that goes into making sure the magazine you get every month, and flip through once or twice in about half an hour, is out at newsstands on time with worthy editorial articles.
Of course, there are the various situations that I have been thrown into or have found myself unintentionally caught up in.

I'm kinda raring to go for another week.

But behind me all the way has been God.
He's been giving me that extra strength and confidence that has been pulling me through each time.
(:

P/s: My hands and blue cardigan are famous! Watch this space for more!

2007-06-10T18:44:00.000+08:00

I don't really know what quite to make of my first week of work.
Except that perhaps it has been bearable and the two food-tasting sessions were the highlights of my week.
Especially since I got to dine at such a high-end restaurant that serves food I'll probably never get to eat again in my life because I can't afford to. And also the free bread I got to take home from Marche.
Haha.
Cheap thrill, I know.

There were the rather horrible moments too but I shan't elaborate on this blog.
If you want to find out more, ask me.

Oh.
Do ask me out on Friday nights!
Because its the end of the week and its rather sad to have to go straight home.
Heh.
JY, hurry up and come back to Singapore!

And finally,
just a very simple question.
Where did my weekend go?

2007-06-05T21:40:00.000+08:00

just one word.

EXHAUSTED

...

2007-06-03T22:10:00.000+08:00

I guess its just inevitable.

Despite the exciting prospect of gluttony and indulgence as the fringe benefits as mentioned in an earlier blog entry, the jitters are seeping in fast and furious.

I am nervous.
Very nervous.
Sigh.

It doesn't help that I'm so unsure and weary of the bus timing.
Chances are that I'll be really early but I suppose its a lot better than being late.
And it gives me the time to look for the main entrance of the building as well as where the office is.
Haha.
I can't help it if I'm a directional-idiot!

Oh well.
Since I pretty much can't do anything to help the potential situation,
I'm leaving it all in God's safe hands.
He'll know what to do when I need help and provide that extra, and essential, ounce of confidence.

Pray for me alright?
(:

2007-05-28T18:43:00.000+08:00

ARGH.
STUPID BLOGGER ATE UP MY TEMPLATE.
now i have to do everything all over again.
worst part is that blogger keeps saying that the codes i downloaded from blogskins.com is not correct.

BLEAH.

2007-05-28T17:33:00.000+08:00

If I heard correctly and Aunty Angeline described it accurately,
I should have a ball of a time during my internship.

Job Description:
Eating and Writing Food Reviews

Disclaimer:
"I guarantee she will get fatter after a month."
-Aunty Angeline-

Haha.
I suppose to many this would be considered a dream job.
Trying out different foods without having to fork out a single penny and being paid for it.
Ok whether I get paid is a completely different matter but it doesn't seem that bad after all.
Its also helping to suppress the pre-work jitters given the exciting prospect of being able to hone my tastebuds, food critiquing and hopefully try out new cuisines that I
1. would have never thought about eating
2. wouldn't have enough money to pay for
and
3. couldn't find anyone to go try them with!

Unfortunately, my preparation in the clothing department has been highly unsuccessful.
I combed the streets of Orchard yesterday with Amanda and got only 2 tops.
Amanda, on the other hand, showed off her prowess in battling the crowds and scored so many things I can't remember all that she bought.
Haha.
The fact that I'm highly adverse to crowds and heat probably contributed to my dismal results.
An unfeasibly small budget just makes matters worse.

Shucks.
This means I'm going to have to brace myself to fight the throngs of people another day and soon.
Thankfully I've found shopping "kakis" like Michele and Adrian.
Hurhur.
Be prepared though, I'm a rather picky and particular shopper.
Haha!
You have been warned.

And just to end off,
this is specially for Wee Foong because I know he reads my blog,
We're still in the month of MAY!
:P

2007-05-23T18:16:00.000+08:00

Ok let me start off by saying that my brother, as much as we possibly think each other is annoying and childish, has been really sweet by offering to help me with the little things that I need to get done.
Haha.
Like going to the police post with me, because I didn't want to go alone, and helping me to post a letter because I'm just too lazy to get out of the house.
Hurhur.

Oh oh oh.
I have good news!
At least I think its good news.
Hurhur.
Michele got the internship as well!
But she's starting a week later than me.
But it means I'll get my money earlier than her.
HA!
Just kidding.
Anyhow, it also means that we're stuck together again.
Haha.
We've been in the same primary school, same secondary school (same cca), same junior college (same class), same university (same major), and now same internship company.
Woohoo.
Like I told her before, we should just start our own company and work together.
Heh.
Can't wait to see what "pink thing" she got for me from Japan.
Hurhur.
So girly.

Alrighty,
let me end of with some totally irrelevant "Blogthings".
Haha.
I know it's such an out-dated thing but it's fun!
And very useful for killing time.
The accuracy of the results, on the other hand, is for you to decide.
HA!

You Are a Strawberry Margarita

You're so sweet it's a little overwhelming, and people are a little afraid of corrupting you...

It's a little difficult to imagine you with a margarita. And you're truly a different person after you've kicked back a couple!

What Flavor Margarita Are You?

People Envy Your Compassion

You have a kind heart and an unusual empathy for all living creatures. You tend to absorb others' happiness and pain.

People envy your compassion, and more importantly, the connections it helps you build. And compassionate as you are, you feel for them.

What Do People Envy About You?

You Are 24% Evil

A bit of evil lurks in your heart, but you hide it well.

In some ways, you are the most dangerous kind of evil.

How Evil Are You?
(I like this quiz answer the best. HAHAHAHA.)

2007-05-22T12:48:00.000+08:00

Way cool.
I wanna get my hair cut like hers.
Haha.

(By the way, I think that belt of hers is like the modern day equivalent of a corset. It looks painful. Hurhur.)

2007-05-21T12:41:00.001+08:00

2 more weeks of bumming around before internship starts and I'm already beginning to feel the jitters.

Yesterday Aunty Angeline clarified with me about the allowance system.
As if being paid per assignment wasn't horrible enough, I now will not be getting any money until a month into the internship.
This is because, as she explained, many interns don't last a month or a month and a half and the company doesn't want to be paying out money to these so-called "contract-breakers".
Apparently, there isn't a formal contract to be signed to hold down these interns.
Oh well, I guess I must either be really crazy or really interested in the magazine industry to be going ahead with it.
I hope its the latter.
Aunty Angeline even gave me the chance to back out now.

The implications are rather daunting because it probably reflects the heavy amount of work that is involved that would cause these interns to want to give up.
I'm wondering if I might be like that too.
At least I know I have that "no-formal-contract-system" in my favour too if I should feel I can't cope.
Gosh.
But that sounds like someone who is already prepared to give up.

Sigh.
Only God will know how I fare and survive in the industry.
And I trust that He too will be with me each step of the way.

Right now, I need to do what I can do.
Get my office clothes.
(Yes yes yes. I still haven't got them or started looking around.)
And pray Michele gets the internship too!
Cause that would make things a whole lot easier and more fun.

(:

2007-05-19T17:04:00.000+08:00

Gifts Galore

Just like the flowers, I'm not putting these photos up to show off or anything along that line, but rather its a way to say thank you to jy and show everyone how lovely and generous he is.
The presents are also extra special because he's a million (well, not exactly, but it definitely does feel so) miles away.

(Altogether now, awwwwwwwww!)

And he even bothers to take photographs of them to show me because he knows I'm just too excited and can't possibly wait till he's back!

(:

2007-05-17T22:55:00.000+08:00

Anyone up for the Robinson's and Tang's sale?
Trust me.
Its not that I want to go shopping,
but rather,
I really need to get my office clothes.
Preferably CHEAP ones.
Hurhur.

Anyone anyone anyone?

(:

updated at 10:53pm:
to my uni spg - food&drinks at Brewerkz?
and anyone up for the opening night of the Singapore Arts Festival?

2007-05-15T11:01:00.001+08:00

Sigh.
This morning, I had to drag myself out of bed when it was the perfect weather to sleep in.
I had a stomach ache just when I was about to go out of the house.
Then it started to drizzle heavier when I left the house.
The final straw came when I walked all the way to my destination only to find it closed.
To begin with, I didn't want to go at all.

BAH.
What a way to start the day.
Shucks.
It also means I have to make another trip there another day.
Problem is, I have no idea what time they open and close.
I've scoured the entire internet and still no mention of their opening hours.

Tsk.
And you thought you could find anything and everything online.
Hurhur.

2007-05-13T18:57:00.001+08:00

I guess I was just harboring ghastly false hopes of being able to wear jeans to work.
Actually, it isn't really all that false.
I'm just working in the wrong department as the creative arts department is allowed to wear my favourite article of clothing to the office.
Boohoohoo.
So much for the skinny jeans and levis on my wishlist.
And of course no slippers.
Other than that, according to Aunty Angeline, I should be fine.
But it's just too vague, at least for me.
So do I wear a long sleeve shirt and pants?
Surely not.
And where's the fine line between being formal and smart casual?
How about tailored pants that end at the knee?
Bah.
So troublesome.
Suggestions are more than welcome.

The only thing that is perhaps positive about this whole situation is that it provides a very good reason for me to go shopping.
However, it also means spending money.
Sigh.

On the other hand, I am really excited about the job.

A bit worried, nonetheless, as I'm afraid I won't be up to standard in terms of my writing style and articulation.
And I ain't looking forward to the 1 and a half hour bus ride. It's as good as traveling all the way to NUS again. Hurhur.

Oh wells.
I have another 3 weeks to bum around.
Anyone up for going "office wear" shopping with me?

(:

2007-05-10T22:06:00.001+08:00

God really has a reason for every single thing He does.
He gave me this knack for melody and lyrics which so many times have comforted me.
Do allow me to share another song with you which I've been humming.

Hillsong
None But Jesus

In the quiet, in the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored

When You call I won’t refuse
Each new day again I’ll choose

There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise

In the chaos, in confusion
I know You’re Sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will

When You call I won’t delay
This my song through all my days

All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord Forevermore

(:

On a totally different note (which involves gluttony)
I've been itching to make my own pancakes.
From scratch!
Since the ones they have in the supermarket are uber expensive and me and mum have been waiting for ages for it to go on sale
and
there's just this added sense of self-satisfaction and achievement when you've done something all by yourself.
Ok not totally all by myself if you're going to be picky because I couldn't possibly have laid the eggs or produced the milk or milled the flour on my own.
Hurhur.
I wanna try baking a quiche too!
My ikea baking tray is slowing moving into the untouched black hole of the kitchen cabinet if I don't do something with it soon........
Now all i need are ingredient-sponsors!
*kat attempts to flash her sweetest smile
:D

(oopsy. i think i scared away more people than i did encourage them. heh.)

2007-05-09T21:38:00.001+08:00

Ever since the "holidays" started, I haven't really been getting my bum out of the house.
Partly in a bid to save some money (to be spent on other things...like...erm...SHOPPING.heh.) and partly due to this thing called laziness.
But since michele was going off to the land of the rising sun for two whole weeks and she wanted to get her jeans tailored and i havent really seen gina in school much for the past year AND we were all clamouring for a sushi-stuffing session, i decided it was high time to get out of the house.

Here's the evidence:

in staying true to our gluttony ways, this is how we ordered:
we simply pointed to this one page in the menu and then said we wanted one of each.
hurhur.
the waitress looked at us in disbelief.
we had to repeat our order again.
heh.

this was only round one of the total damage done.

not being someone who relished in cam-whoring, this is the look i gave when gina suggested we take silly photographs.
haha.
but nonetheless, i couldn't resist.
of course, we had to do the classic 1,2,3 poses.

1...

2...

3!

i have no idea what we were trying to do,
but we all ended up looking like fishes/fishballs in this most unflattering shot.

i think we were trying to look cool.
HAHA.

michele looks like she's trying hard to stifle her laughter.
haha.

gina and me.

one last shot before we went our seperate ways.
literally.
mish to sim lim, gina to parkway and me back home.

thanks girls.
i had a lot of fun.
miss u guys lots.
let's go out for pirates of the caribbean 3 when mish is back!
and of course, for more food and shopping.
haha.

(:

2007-05-07T21:07:00.001+08:00

I should have known better that he wouldn't stick to our 'no-gift-for-each-other' policy.
Because lo and behold,
a flower delivery man appeared at my door step.
In his hands, were a bunch of 6 gorgeous white trumpet lilies surrounded with baby breaths.
One of my absolute favourite flowers.

It means so much not because he spent an exorbitant amount on these flowers but because he tries his hardest and best to make me smile even though he's so far away.
Remembering what are my favourite type of flowers helps too.

And just because I want to show them off to the world,
and tell everyone how unbelievably sweet he is,
here are the pictures!

2007-05-07T15:13:00.000+08:00

Today is the 7th of May, 2007.

2 years since it all began.

I won't say the cliche thing of "oh how fast time has past" because in all honesty, it didn't.
In fact, it was almost like each day had more than 24 hours which just refused to give way to the next.
Coupled with a fair share of tears, unnecessary quarrels, silly bickering and cold wars, the days were made to seem even more tiresome.

Of course, not all was a bleak picture of doom and gloom.
Many times we made each other happy, excited, surprised and ecstatic.
Many times we supported, prayed, encouraged and comforted each other.

Through all the highs and lows, the ups and the downs, the good and the bad,
all I can only say that
I want more.

Happy 2nd Anniversary JY.
May God continue to allow this relationship to grow in love for Him and each other.

(:

2007-05-02T12:35:00.001+08:00

Mum's Birthday Dinner

- Azabu Sabo at Marina Square -

Dad's beef set.
Can't really remember what's the exact name though.
heh.

My brother's sukiyaki bento set.

Sabo style cold udon noodle with radish sauce.
My favourite dish of the night!
The dressing was a perfect balance of tangy and salty which makes it really appetizing.
The deep fried garlic slivers on top were pretty good too.

The pretty little container of wasabi powder for the cold udon.
We didn't use any of it though.
Haha.

Mum's tempura bento set.
My mum is a full convert to Japanese food!
(Finally.)
She didn't really fancy Japanese food until now.
Heh.
Tempura being her favourite.

Close up shot.
The tempura was done well as the batter was light, fluffy and not oily.
There was quite a good variety as well.

My set!
The Japanese style "hamburger" smothered with gravy and salmon onigiri.
The "hamburger" was nice and meaty.
Nothing like the processed stuff you get at Mac Ds.
But the salmon onigiri was horrible!
It obviously wasn't fresh as the rice was hard and the seaweed impossible to bite through.

Close up shot.
Not because I really liked it but because my brother was trying to teach me how to use the micro function of the camera.
Haha.

Close up shot.
Even though I'm not a beef person, this was pretty good.
But I suppose the sauce helped because it was full of onions!
Hurhur.

My brother's dessert.
Hokkaido soft ice cream with mango sauce on top of a baked sweet potato.
Delicious!

My parents' dessert.
Hokkaido soft ice cream with Kanten-jelly and some sort of Japanese-named bean.
Haha.

My dessert!
Vanilla bean ice cream with deep-fried sweet potato balls, mochi dumplings and red bean paste.
Yummilicious.

And of course,
how could we forget the birthday girl.
Happy Birthday Mum!
(:

2007-05-01T03:28:00.000+08:00

Introducing
CHARISSA WANG YAN QING
my neighbour's incredibly cheerful and smiley baby!

Here's daddy, her self-proclaimed entertainment system (better than any toy in the market) and the little girl sucking on her big toe.
Haha!
My neighbours actually called me outside the house and to bring the camera just to capture this shot of her.
hurhur.
So cuteeeeeeee!

Close up shot!
She is obviously enjoying herself...
Heh.

Isn't she adorable?
She was laughing at my dad who was probably doing something really silly to amuse her.
Hmm.
Maybe I should have taken a photograph of my dad instead.
Haha!

2007-04-27T21:34:00.001+08:00

(click to see the pictures in a bigger size)

Aren't these two of the most amazing wedding photographs you've seen?
Ok. Chances are that you've seen better.
Doesn't matter anyway cause that isn't my point here.
Haha.

But oh well.
Singapore lacks the necessary secluded beach, clean waters, gorgeous sky (though i highly suspect it had been photoshopped in) and the crashing white waves.

Don't you just love how the waves seem to be part of the wedding dress?

The symbolisms behind the pictures also add to its appeal.

Singapore oh Singapore.
Why do you lack such high-quality photography settings?

On a less lamentable note,
its my last exam paper tomorrow!
And the last exam paper of my entire university life nonetheless.
(I think I've probably said this many times before on my previous blog entires, but who cares? Its MY blog. HA.)
And what better way to celebrate than going all out on a shopping escapade with my good friend.

I absolutely can't wait.
(:

2007-04-26T20:01:00.001+08:00

Today started out rather terribly.
But I thank God with all my heart because He was the one who pulled me through and provided me with special little things to perk me up and put a smile on my face.

It poured hard and heavy this morning on my way to school for my 9am paper.
As a result of the rain, coupled with the usual rush hour traffic, the bus was crawling its way through a throng of honking vehicles bumper to bumper.
As if having to sit in the stuffy non-aircon bus was bad enough,
I was having a humongous stomachache and felt like throwing up 15 minutes into the start of my long bus ride all the way to school.
I don't think I would have lasted that 2 hours in the bus (Yes, the jam was that bad) without God holding my hand and giving me the strength as well as making the pain easier to bear.
I was really worried that I might just puke on the person in front of me.
Heh.
My worries of being late were also uncalled for as i reached school with 10 minutes to spare and had time to make my detour to the washroom.

My worries weren't over just yet.
I was planning to do some last minute revision for today's exam paper but obviously I wasn't given the luxury of time.
So I had to go into the exam hall without that final brief glance through my readings.
Thankfully, the questions turned out a lot better than what I was expecting and despite my weariness and closing eyes, I managed to get through all 5 questions.

After the exam paper, it was just too far away to go to the engine canteen to grab some lunch so I just headed to the library to borrow my videos.
Thankfully, Michele bought me a yam bao to soothe my growling stomach.
More forms of nourishment came when Denise so kindly bought me lunch!
Yummy sandwiches and a packet of OJ from biz ad canteen.
And to top it all off, she even brought dessert!
A big tube of chocolate-coated strawberry gummies.
Thanks to the both of you who saved my stomach from devouring itself.
Of course besides the food, they brought along with them lots of laughter that was essential in perking up my ailing mood.

And so, that was my day.
Filled with God's goodness and grace.

How was your day?
(:

2007-04-24T02:46:00.000+08:00

I can just feel my brain being cramped, filling up every square inch of space it can possibly make avaliable for storing exam-necessary information.
Haha.
I sound like a computer don't I.
I wouldn't mind actually.
Cause then I'd have a "save" function, something my brain isn't really that adept at performing right now.
Tsk.
I just want to exams to starttttttttttttttttt.
It's taking way to long and I'm getting really impatient.
Boo.

Other than that,
I still want want want (absolutely) want to go to Perth!
For obvious reasons
and to escape the incessant heatwave that Singapore is facing.
(and did i mention cheaper, nicer tops and skinnies?)
Now all I need are parents who will let me fly alone.
As such, I'm sourcing for a person with excellent convincing expertise.
(or Con-man or Salesperson or Smooth-talker or whatever you want to call it. HAHA. Okok. I'm just kidding here.)
Anyone who feels that they fit the bill and can start work immediately,
PLEASE APPLY ASAP.
I will buy back timtams for u!
and starbursts!
and erm...fresh white button mushrooms?
heh.

But oh well.
Sigh.
Interestingly enough,
though we're finally coming to the end of the whole LDR nonsense,
it seems like its getting harder for me.
Only about 3 more months to go but it feels like eternity...

2007-04-23T06:03:00.000+08:00

I always thought that having consecutive examination dates were quite the norm.
Until today.
When I started telling (those who asked of course) others that my exams were this coming wednesday, thursday, friday and saturday.
All in a row.
To my surprise, most people responded with an aghast expression and wished me all the best.
Haha.
In all honestly, I really thought it was a common scenario.
Oh well.
But I quite like having papers all at one go or even two papers in a day.
I suppose I'm the kind who likes to get things over and done with.
No point dragging it longer than it should take.
Besides, its not exactly a pleasant experience that I would want it to last for as long as possible.
Heh.

Anyhow, I'm just dying for this week to be over.
Then I can really enjoy my 3 week break before internship starts.
Sigh.
Especially since its going to be my last official "holiday".
After these 3 weeks, I'd be clamoring for public holidays and long weekends.
Haha.
Oh well.
*shrugs.
Anyone up for shopping on saturday after my last paper?
Let me know!
(:

p/s: i simply adore the series of tiffany&co. ads in today's The Straits Times!
So prettttttty!
*gush

2007-04-21T01:02:00.000+08:00

I was reading the papers this morning and what do I see?
One whole page, in a bright and eye-catching red colour nonetheless, screaming out to me that River Island is having a sale.
SALE.
SALE!!!

Sigh.
Darn the exams.
Darn its absolutely horrendous timing.

Boo.
But I know that I'm going to be complaining about the lack of exams to complain about soon.
Especially when I start work.
Oh the horrors.

We really can't have everything can we?

anyway, just for kicks, i did this quiz:

You Are a Frappacino

At your best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern

At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent

You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet

Your caffeine addiction level: low

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Haha.
kinda accurate yeah?
(:

2007-04-18T01:58:00.000+08:00

hmm.
maybe they're just going to give me a free icecream cone sans the icecream.
HAHA.
right.
they do that and i'll cry...

so...
New York Super Fudge Chunk® Ice Cream
OR
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream?
or how about
Cherry Garcia® Ice Cream?
or or or
Chunky Monkey® Ice Cream?

(:

2007-04-17T06:30:00.000+08:00

My itchy fingers let me to wander over to the Quantas' website to peek if the airfare to Perth has increased.
Lo and behold, it has only increased by a measly $2.
Haha.
Now it's just got me annoyed.
Because I really really really want to go.
Boohoohoo.
Why won't my parents let me go?
*sulk.

Anyhow,
I can't seem to sit through an extended time period of studying.
I'm just so restless, getting up to walk up and down the house.
Mostly to the kitchen and back to my room with something edible in hand.
Haha.
Exams are so not good for the waistline nor the complexion with all the biscuits/chips/gummies/muffins/chocolates/buns I'm feeding my stomach with.
Hurhur.
To top it all off, I'm going for free ice cream tomorrow!
FREE (!!!) ICE CREAM.
(:

Ok.
Back to studying.
Or rather.
Back to *ahem* attempting to study.
Haha.
Oh how I hate the exams...

2007-04-16T09:05:00.000+08:00

This morning I decided to turn on my iTunes while getting ready to go to church.
Randomly, I played a song from a Hillsong album that I had all along in my iTunes but never really paid any attention to it.

Among the songs in the album was "At the Cross".
I was immediately struck when I heard the song.

I felt it was so appropriate because it provided a timely reminder about Jesus' death on the cross and how all too often we forget about it once Good Friday is over.
It also reminded me that going to church isn't because its a routine or because my parents want me to go.

The simple fact that Jesus died for me never fails to humble me, and bring a tear to my eye.

I hope the lyrics of the song touches you as much as it touched me.
(:

At The Cross

Oh Lord You’ve searched me,
You know my way;
Even when I fail You,
I know You love me.
Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season,
I know You love me;
I know You love me.

At the cross I bow my knee,
Where Your blood was shed for me,
There’s no greater love than this.
You have overcome the grave,
Your glory fills the highest place,
What can separate me now?

You go before me,
You shield my way,
Your hand upholds me;
I know You love me.
And when the earth fades,
Falls from my eyes,
And You stand before me,
I know You love me;
I know You love me.

You tore the veil, You made a way
When You said that it is done.

2007-04-15T06:16:00.000+08:00

Pardon me, but this is going to be a girly rambling.

Why is the Forever21 shop in Singapore so messy, sells exorbitantly priced clothes that are made of really lousy quality material from china?
Whereas on their website, a majority of the casual tops costs around $20 to $40 (after conversion into SGD) and are made in USA?

for example:
$15.80 USD = $24 SGD

$17.80 USD = $27 SGD

$19.80 USD = $30.00 SGD

$20 USD = $30.33 SGD

geez. its just so annoying.
someone in Singapore must be making a whole ton of profits from us unfortunate Singaporean girls who, unfortunately, have a minuscule amount of alternative places to shop at.

makes me want to order directly from their website.
of which is a lot less hassle than digging out and going through throngs of heaped clothing and dealing with bored and uninterested salespeople.

*bleah.
now i just need to find out how this ordering thingy works......

2007-04-14T05:00:00.000+08:00

Every girl loves surprises.

Tell me who doesn't?

However, there are just some surprises that I would much rather do without.
For example...

So JY comes back home all excited about his new haircut.
Impatiently he insists on making sure my webcam is on when his is on.
So I obviously thought to myself that this must have been a successful visit to the hairdresser.
When the webcam finally gets connected, I see that JY isn't in the webcam's view.
And then (the dreaded moment) he goes...3...2...1...

Here's his idea of a surprise for his wonderful gf...
(click on the picture to view it in a bigger size)

So here we have, my dear boyfriend, ready for NS.
tsk.
You really do know how to make me cringe don't you.
hurhur.

How could I possibly not love someone like you?
(:

2007-04-12T14:14:00.000+08:00

More Feasting at the Wong's Residence

presenting:
the adam and eve pudding
a layer of buttery sponge cake on the top
with
a layer of soft cinnamon-infused apples

waiting for the cake to cool on the rack

delicious eaten fresh and hot

another shot of a personal slice

doesn't this look absolutely irresistible ?
(:

p/s: all photos are courtesy of my brother. i ain't pro enough. haha!

2007-04-11T13:13:00.000+08:00

If you ask me what I learnt most out of my two art-related modules (Reading Visual Images & Southeast Asian Arts), it would be that you can never teach someone to learn, appreciate or see art.

Take my Reading Visual Images module as an example.
As much as it tries to expose us to the various types of art classification and the ways to read the different paintings, I'm pretty sure that most of the class is made up of people with no interest in art.
Although the module is at an ungodly hour of 7 to 9pm, it is still very popular, raking up to a minimum of 1500 points in the NUS module bidding system.
And I attribute this "popularity" to the fact that this module does not have a final semester examination.
Haha.
So much for NUS students actually being very interested in the world of reflection, inner feelings and charged emotions.

Furthermore, staying true to the Singapore education system, the tutorials are carried out in a very systematic and structured manner.
Complete with numbered questions to be "discussed".
I use the inverted commas because these questions in fact are not discussed but answered.
The tutor asks the questions and appears to seek our opinions in the way he phrases his words.
However, when we give a truly personal and felt answer, he proceeds to brush it aside, saying that "its not exactly the answer i was looking for".
Surely art was never about facts and the truth.
Much like literature, i highly suspect that the author or creator never intended to impose any particular reading to its reader or viewer.
By embedding the notion of fact and the concept of "correct answer" into these works of art, one is simply sucking out all the life and feeling that is necessary to approaching these works.

Dr. Johnson on the other hand, never fails to reassert this fact to his lecture class.
He constantly reminds us that we need to put the art pieces into context and appreciate it for its naturalistic qualities as well as its practical functions.
He also emphasizes that everyone has a different reading or understanding towards a same piece of art.
However, I can't say that he has effectively influenced his tutorial class into seeing the way he does.
Call me opinionated, biased or even conceited, but from the very first tutorial class, I felt as if some students were merely saying things that they felt was the "right answer".
But then again, even Dr. Johnson was biased himself.
Choosing to focus and blabbering on and on (which usually resulted in us ending tutorial late) about the types of art he was interested in while thoroughly neglecting other possible topics.

I guess it is true.
Art is really about feelings with inner biasness.
Its about looking at something through your own eyes and not someone else's.
And putting in your own meaning to make none other but yourself happy.

On a side note, I'm really thankful for all these opportunities of being exposed to art.
Especially my Lit and the Other Arts module by Prof. Patke.
It just makes me want to go to Paris and visit all the museums.
Haha.
One day I suppose I will.
And even I have my favourites.
I want to see the famous Un dimanche après-midi à l'Ile de la Grande Jette by Georges Seurat!
(:

2007-04-10T07:19:00.000+08:00

How is it that only now that I think I've made my final final decision?
And that its been made too late?

Shucks.
Let me once again mention and emphasize just how ironic life is.

Anyone wants to go to Perth?

on a side note,
i completed my last presentation of the semester and of my university life.
scary huh.
it means I'm going to graduate.
I'm so going to miss the good times...

2007-04-09T08:05:00.000+08:00

And so I've made possibly one of the most annoying and lengthy decisions so far.
I really have no idea whether I've made a good choice.
But I do know that the potentiality for regret is conclusively HIGH and SOON.
Bah.
But what can I do?

It's times like this when i want to be a spoilt brat and wish my parents gave me more pocket money.
Sigh.
But that ain't fair cause they already paid for my airfare the last time I went to Perth.

*Shrugs.
Oh well.
Looks like I'm going out on full force when i go shopping with the girls on Tuesday.

And it also means I'll be starting my internship at least a week earlier.
Which hopefully translates into more moolah and securing a full time job faster.

I already feel that horrible sinking feeling taking over.

*Kat heaves a huge sad sigh...

Anyone for a short and cheap getaway after the exams?

2007-04-09T03:26:00.000+08:00

i guess ive just never been the kind who felt comfortable with only having a few bucks left in my bank account.
and its precisely this thats making my decision such a frustrating and difficult one.

tomorrow is the day of reckoning.

and until now i still have absolutely no clue.

tsk.
oh well.
good night y'all.
im going to just sleep on it.

2007-04-07T10:57:00.001+08:00

it's really funny how life throws ironic twists into your lap.

one minute i was mulling over my inability to go.
and the next my utter excitement is being questioned by none other than myself.

it really is a crazy life ain't it.

but the outcome of it all will have to arrive soon.

stay tuned for more.

2007-04-05T14:18:00.000+08:00

have you ever really really really wanted something?
but only have it taken away from you because of some really lame-ass reason that doesn't make sense?

well i have.
and the feeling sucks.
dammit.

2007-04-03T13:42:00.000+08:00

i think im really about to pull out my hair.
so many deadlines to meet.
presentations, arguments, reports, projects, and everything in between.

someone bring me out to eat!
someone bring me out to shop!

someone. anyone. before i lose my mind.
*bleah.
:X

but despite all these cumbersome worrying,
i thank God that He always reminds me of how much He loves and takes care of me.
just yesterday i got such exciting news.
the timing of everything was perfect.
on the day itself as well as the situation on the other end.
Perfection personified.
i have been worrying about what im going to do after i graduate for the longest time.
and yesterday the answer came.
at that instance.
im so excited.
haha.
incentive for me to get done with all this nonsense and start a new chapter of my life.
its going to involve a heck load of work but its definitely going to be more interesting than school!
woohoo!

and all the credit goes to God.
for He never forgets His little children even when they forget Him.
Thank You God!
(:

2007-04-01T12:22:00.000+08:00

disclaimer:

if you're feeling hungry right now, i'd advise you to turn away.

ok. now that that's out of the way, let us proceed with the photos!

Chili Crab Farewell Dinner for JYdeep-fried man tou to soak up all the gravy and a huge dish of chili crabs.

time for some close-ups.

how about another angle?

clearly the food was a sure winner with JY.

even Kenny agreed!

Tonight's "Pie Dinner"

introducing the Salmon pie.

cross-section: salmon, mushrooms, onions, hard boiled eggs, parsley, rice and cream.
All encased in a puff pastry.

time for yet another close-up.

2nd pie of the night: the lemon pie

cross-section.

extreme close-up.

it was deliciously simple and everyone loved it.
so kat had a huge smile on her face.

dinner ended really well. even Kenny offered to help clean up!

THE END
(:

2007-03-30T04:43:00.000+08:00

now why didn't they teach me this in school?
i would have done a lot better in chemistry!
(:

2007-03-25T23:08:00.001+08:00

What does one do with...

a 1-quart pie dish from ikea?

$60 worth of Tangs vouchers?

and an anchor necklace from Diva?

JoJo - How To Touch A Girl

2007-03-23T21:53:00.001+08:00

i absolutely love this video by Jojo.
i cant believe that she's only eighteen!
bah. makes my life seem so meaningless and mundane compared to hers.
haha.
and i think she looks really good too.
especially her clothes. and her longggggg curly hair!
love love love the green dress paired with the purple belt.
haha.
i never thought a teenager would look good in leopard prints but lo and behold she manages to pull it off!
complete with skinny jeans and gorgeous red heels.
who said that you'd had to be rail thin in order to look good in skinny jeans?
speaking of which, i hope she doesnt fall prey to the pressures of being frightfully thin, as is the so-called standard of being a superstar.
she looks good as she is and the curves make her look sexy!
haha.

anyway, enjoy the video!
while i get back to my readings........
(oh my mundane life...)

my gosh. this has been such a girly ranting. ha!
but yes. let me have my fun. i'm one stressed out and over-stretched girl.

2007-03-21T12:43:00.000+08:00

"I'm not a plastic bag"
by Anya Hindmarch

I WANT.

i hope Derick manages to get it for me.
HA.

2007-03-18T10:11:00.000+08:00

i'm not one who clings on to the past but it just irks me and hurt me rather badly when i happened.
i know it's really silly to compare too but its not even about how much was spent.
i dont even know if i should spell it outrightly here, knowing that they might read it.
*sigh*
forgettid.
i shant do it here.
or anywhere else to anyone.
i'm just wondering if it'll happen again this year.
we'll see, in about 9 months time.

sorry for the lack of any updates here.
been rather busy with school work.
especially with all the looming deadlines and projects that need to be started.
haha. im not even talking about finishing it.
at least i've started with my paper mache.
trying to make three masks for my southeast asian art module.
cool huh. handing up artwork as a final "term paper".
but paper mache is a really time-consuming process!
waiting for layers to dry than applying the next layer...
not to mention sticky and gunky.
haha. but it does make me feel like im going back to primary school.

i'm still harping on going to perth in may.
i've only hinted about it to my parents and im very sure they know i want to go.
but so far no concrete response.
bah.
on the other hand, im not too crazy about travelling by a budget airline all alone.
all 5 hours of it.
boohoohoo.
oh well.
let me get through this last semester of my university life...
then we'll see.
HA.

2007-03-10T13:47:00.000+08:00

today's bargain hunting turned out to be quite a success.
amy, michele and i, the chinatowntroppers (as coined by michele) spent a total of 6 hours in the same building and spent a lot of cash on frivolous trinkets:

Custom-made and personally designed necklaces
(sorry for the really pathetic picture quality though, i can assure u they look much better!)

we each made 2 and spent close to $90+ in total!

elastic belt + buckle = $2.20

we emerged from the building, tired, sticky and feet-aching,
but thoroughly satisfied and contented with our buys.
even lunch, of fried guo tie (dumplings), was tummy-comforting:

from a stall run by three chinese nationals,
12 pieces for $5

sugar cane juice was just normal, but at least it was a bug cup for only a dollar.

our next target for Bargain Friday:
Salvation Army thrift store

(:

2007-03-07T07:32:00.000+08:00

so here i am in the computer lab of AS7 struggling to stay awake (michele beside me has already given in to the Zzz monster).

we had a unanimous decision of skipping our literature lecture, in case you were wondering why im here and not in some freezing cold obscure LT in nus.

oh well.

i tried to be productive by googling for project information.

but that got boring and i ran out of things to google.

or rather, i got lazy. HA.

nothing much has been happenning.

really boring actually.

now that jy has gone back to the land of hopping creatures,

no one will go out with me to do my whimsical wants.

except for michele though. i think. i hope. heh.

(speaking of which, we're going bagain hunting this friday! woohoo!)

anyhow, ive already started considering my post-graduation options.

yes, already. and not surprisingly, work isnt high up on the to-do-list.

haha.

planning to go overseas.

perth, hongkong or phuket/bali.

perth is definitely the highest on the priority list but unfortunately, finances and parents are going to be a very tricky barrier to cross.

shucks.

we'll have to see i guess.

sigh.

another 20 minutes to go before my tutorial starts.

we're going to be drawing thai flowers.

*bleah.

my art sucks.

and i had to go buy a sketchbook and pencil because i didnt bring mine.

but its not my fault!

the tutor didnt say we were going to be drawing this week.

so annoying.

wasted my $2.

2007-03-02T18:59:00.001+08:00

i hate the feeling leading up to his departure.

such a complicated mix of dread, frustration, resignation and hopefulness.

2007-02-27T23:25:00.001+08:00

i think this coming and going arrangement is doing more harm than it is good.
he's been back since last year early november which makes it a grand total of about four long months that he's spent in singapore since then.

four months is a long enough time for the relationship to further develop and deepen.
and thats just what it has been.
and suddenly its all going to be taken away from me at one go.

honestly, it feels really crazy.

sigh.
looks like the countdown will be starting really soon...

2007-02-27T00:02:00.001+08:00

alas, the impossible has finally come true.

i, the avid fan and enthusiastic advocate of levis jeans has turned to other brands to satisfy my need for jeans that fit.
skinny jeans from mango and zara have proven themselves worthy as they fit like a glove and are less expensive than good ol' levis.

levis also has no one else to blame but themselves.
one of my jeans, my favourite and first pair of 593, has expanded to the point of impossibility in putting them on.
my square cut too has fallen into that unthinkable category but is still wearable, for now.
i have another 2 pairs of 593s, barely worn and in pristine condition, taking up valuable wardrobe space.
(i just have to insert an advert here! anyone wants to buy? they're both size 24 but run kinda large actually. i think a size 25 could be a tighter and better fit actually. one has been altered though, but its still too long for me. the other remains wholly intact.)

so until levis comes up with better and nicer designs that FIT me,
(f.y.i, i cant fit the princess cuts which have the most gorgeous embellishments and details)
i shall have to look elsewhere to obtain what is probably my favourite article of clothing.

(:
and and and,
im happy that skinny jeans are in!
because now it makes finding jeans a lot easier, cause they now fit fit fit.
HA.
and why is it that i can wear zara and mango jeans size 32 but not their skirts at the same size?
stranger than strange aint it.

2007-02-22T06:29:00.000+08:00

it almost seems like the chinese new year holidays never came because im falling back so easily into the routine of doing my readings, churning out essays and researching for projects.

that just goes to show how to pace of life in singapore is.
mindless and automated, its almost robotic and scary.
and this is coming from a university student, someone who has yet to step into the working world.
i can only cringe and imagine how it's going to be.

anyhow, i had quite a good cny the past few days.
reunion dinner,
watching the really boring channel8 cny variety programme (which is the same every single year),
gobbling down copious amounts of cashew nuts at each house i visit,
receiving red packets and then seeing who gave how much in the car,
tossing the lo hei and trying to pick out all the salmon sashimi slices inconspicuously
and of course the final tabulation of money collected.

shucks.
too fast, too soon.
doesnt help that the cunning and very sneaky NUS decided to put our mid-term break with the cny holidays.
*bleah.

photo time:
at my mum's brother's house, used to be my granny's house. we'd go there every first day of the new year for lunch. things have changed though. granny used to cook her famous pork chops which everyone would rush for. but its been pizza the past few years ever since she passed away...

more people added to the photo! more relatives from my mum's side. oh and the girl on my right in peach is my niece. and as you can see, she's as tall as me. HA. and she's only 12!

2007-02-18T08:03:00.000+08:00

caught Norbit yesterday at the preview held at cineleisure orchard.
it was the kind of show that i wouldn't normally pay to watch.
or rather, as jy pointed out, i might have watched it (possibly at his request, not mine) and then complained and whined about how we actually paid good money to catch it.
haha.
so thank goodness the tickets were free. well. sorta.
the show consists of your typical slapstick, no-one-gets-hurt-no-matter-how-much-pain-is-inflicted-on-them, subversive and cringe-worthy humour.
oh and not forgetting the blatant racism and stereotypes strewn throughout the 80 minutes.
its the kind of movie one watches to de-stress or celebrate the end of the exams.
go catch it if you have extra ang bao money and you dont know what to spend on.
or if you enjoy watching excessive levels of cellulite and bulging and bouncing layers upon layers of fat.
hur.

anyway,
Happy Lunar New Year Everyone!
may each and every of my blog readers have a lovely year of the pig,
eat lotsa goodies and yummies
and collect enough ang bao money to last u for at least a month!
(:

2007-02-14T14:13:00.000+08:00

i'm really quite proud of myself.

after procrastinating and putting off the idea (due to laziness and a lack of funds) for the longest time,
i finally decided to get down to actually making use of the kitchen.
what better to cook than my favourite type of food?

so here's presenting to you,
albeit in lousy quality grainy handphone photographs,
what the wongs and a chin had for dinner last night...

assorted tempura -
shitake mushrooms, asparagus and kani (crabstick)

japanese style curry with potatoes, onions, carrots and chicken thigh meat

and for the carbohydrate part, we have the cold soba noodles (the green stuff on the left hand side) complete with dipping sauce with seaweed and spring onions.

the reviews i got was encouraging and i possibly want to get my hands dirty again before jy leaves.
and im toying with the idea of making soup from scratch since i now own a blender.
heh.

cooking is fun!
(:

2007-02-10T16:22:00.000+08:00

i've officially exhausted my bank account.
so much for my resolution to not spend until the ang bao money comes in.
hur.
but it was money well-spent.
i had a really good time with michele.
its been ages since we had a girly-shopping-day-out.
thanks girl.
you've constantly been there for me since our days in GB and JC.
now its my turn to return the countless favours!

met jy for dinner.
carl's juniors never fail to satisfy my cravings for avocado in the form of the guacamole burger.
and guess what?
we got preview tickets to catch Norbit next friday evening!
cool.
haha.
should be a riot.
and a well-deserved break given that i have TONS of work due next week.
not forgetting a test.
bah.

on a random note,
manicure and pedicure this sunday!
let's see if they last till chinese new year.
hur.
(:

2007-02-04T13:57:00.000+08:00

i fully understand the statement about how our wants are never ever enough.
because i found the perfect skinny jeans in black.
but now i want it in white as well.
(interestingly enough, the white ones are $9 cheaper than the black ones. weird.)
haha.
such a typical girl.
but i highly doubt i'd be shopping anytime soon.
i need to wait for the ang bao money to come rolling in to replenish my drying account.
its time to start bugging my parents to visit the "long lost" relatives.
hurhur.
just kidding, im not thatttttttt evil.

anyway, today, something really unbelievable happened.
usually i only eat the fish from long john sliver because the chicken is always too dry and too hard.
but today, amazingly, at the really small hougang mall branch, the chicken turned out to be the best i've ever tasted.
the plastic knife cut through it rather easily and it was soft and tender.
i would even describe it as yummy.
jy and i were really pleasantly surprised.
perhaps its because the outlet was crowded and hence the food fresh.
but im hoping it because the cook does a good job frying up the golden pieces of oily goodness.
im definitely going back.
just to see if its the cook or its just my right timing tonight.
(:

2007-02-02T17:18:00.001+08:00

the minute u say you're graduating this coming semester, inevitably the question will pop out from people's mouths,
"so what are you going to do?"
among friends and the people i know,
i'd usually laugh about it and say the same thing that probably a hundred of the other graduating students would say too,
"i have no idea!"

but with the chinese new year holidays (i.e plenty of home visitations) coming up,
i'm thinking i had better come up with a good answer.
by a good answer, i would mean something that is politically correct, not exactly lying, hopefully intelligent and "it's a job that will bring in the dollars" sounding.

sure they will say that it isnt necessary and want you to just say what you really feel and think because its ok.
righto.
and appear clueless and potentially jobless in the months to come after graduation?

i know it isnt ok.
at least i feel it isnt.
somehow i feel like im going to be sized up and scrutinized whether im good enough.
most possibly among the people who arent really familiar with me and expect me to be good enough or at least of a certain caliber.
tell them you're not doing honours and woohoo, that raises more eyebrows.

bah.
i just want to survive those houses and
enjoy the good eats at the others.

and
i want to go shopping.
heh.

2007-01-29T22:06:00.001+08:00

i've been shopping lately.
perhaps just a little too much.
i would list my purchases but i decided against it least i scare myself.
thankfully, i didnt have to pay for everything myself.
hurhur.
but there's still more to buy.
like shoes and accessories to match my dress for CNY.
haha.
(oh stop rolling your eyes.)

on a completely unrelated note,
if you've got the money to spend and are hankering for a bit of pizza-ish grub,
head on down to California Pizza Kitchen at Forum.
jy gave me a treat (thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanks dearrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr) last friday
and it turned out to be better than our last visit.
then again, our last visit was last year in july.
but i digress.
service was impeccable and the food was delectable.
dessert was fabulous.
and the bill warranted the great food and time we had.
UOB card holders get 10% off too!
so do go check it out if you havent already.
i know i wanna go again.
(JY are u reading thisssssssss?)

2007-01-26T15:25:00.000+08:00

maybe its just a girl thing that i think of marriage and getting married.
any feminist would probably scoff at my such thoughts and tell me that i dont need men.
but that isnt the point.
during a rather interesting conversation, someone brought up the notion of wanting to enjoy at least a few years of freedom, which was later clarified and specified as "financial freedom".
i suppose i couldnt help but feel a tad bit irked at the remark.
it, consciously or unconsciously, implies that im being an imposing figure who takes away this much revered entity called "freedom".
it also really doesnt help that we're in a long distance relationship.
as i have told many people, in the form of advice, it just isnt worth it to be caught up in a LDR if you know that it probably wouldnt end up with marriage.
the stress and distance doesnt justify.

dont worry, we talked about it and all is well.
but it really got me thinking.
am i really rushing into it? by just thinking and talking about it? by simply wanting it?
maybe im just worried that it isnt going to be easy to sustain a relationship for another 4 or 5 years without any concrete plans or at least intentions.
dont get me wrong, im not saying that im foreseeing we break up, but rather im being realistic.

*sigh*
only time will tell how the story ends up.
in the mean time, all we can do is listen, compromise, understand, endure
and most of all
LOVE.

i love you.

2007-01-23T12:48:00.000+08:00

i've been wanting to sample the food at Sun with Moon Japanese Dining and Cafe ever since i heard about their delectable tofu cheesecake.
not just any other japanese cheesecake, but cheesecake soft and silken due to the addition of tofu and served dramatically in a bird cage.
now that's not something you get in any ol' restaurant, or even any of the more well-known japanese food outlets.
hearing my brother rave about the quality and quantity of the food and ingredients made my mouth water and got my brain chanting
"i need tofu cheesecake, i need tofu cheesecake, i need tofu cheesecake..."

I NEED TOFU CHEESECAKE!
(and whatever else they serve there, only because dessert always comes after a proper meal. bah.)

2007-01-20T06:32:00.000+08:00

school has been relatively ok the past two weeks. really nothing that interesting to report.

except that maybe my southeast asian art module's lecturer is suspectedly gay, but he's a cool guy because our tutorials consists of learning how to draw thai art and learning thai dance and his lecture slides consists of three pages with words and the rest are pictures. oh and he comes into class 20 minutes late. hurhur. leisurely walking in.

ive only been for one jap studies lecture and its alright i suppose. we only did the mandatory japanese history lecture and watched a video. the video was, erm, rather interesting. haha. it was a mini-documentary about male escorts/club hosts in japan and how it is a very popular concept in japan today. tsk tsk. the japanese are kinda wacky in their interests sometimes. but i guess maybe their excessively high stress levels are to be blamed.

my film studies modules is kinda cool. we're having dr. wee again which is kinda nice because im aware of how she teaches and what she expects in her essays. if i keep it up and do the same as i did last semester, i might just get myself another good grade. so yay-ness for me. haha. we're not watching movies every week anymore though. focusing on other stuff like television shows and youth consummerism and advertisments and those sort of media. the first lecture felt kinda like an NM module lecture. haha. it should work out to an advantage since quite a bit of stuff overlaps. well, we'll just have to wait and see.

ok, someone tell me why Reading Visual Images (GEK 1025) is such a popular module? its absolutely insane! i know it doesnt have an examination but other than that, its not that easy a module. there are quizzes every 4 weeks and a boring old essay to write. and the lecturer is BORING. he speaks slow, walks slow, does everything slow! and the timing of 7 - 9pm is just torturous. by 8pm im already fighting back the ZzZzzZzzz monster. gotta remember to bring a good supply of sweets for the next lecture.

and finally, Knowledge Economies. had i known it would be taught by Sreekumar, i would have stayed at least a hundred kilometers from the module. the only good thing is that his powerpoint slides have improved tremendously. other than that, he's still the same. his thick indian accent is still just as unbearable and half the time everything is asking their friends "what did he just say?" and when he speaks fast, he's as good as speaking his native language. to top it all off, the topic isnt exactly easy. woohoo. looks like im in for quite a ride with this module.

tutorials are starting next week and i aint looking forward to it. *bleah. its times like this i wanna graduate.
but on the other hand, i rather keep on studying than start work.

2007-01-13T12:24:00.000+08:00

most recently i have been disappointed by a few people.
not angry, but disappointed and somewhat surprised as well.
i guess i expected too much and thought that others would have done the same for me.
its disheartening at best and disgusted at worst.
but i suppose that's just how it is, how people are at time.
and i'm not perfect either, so the complain ends here.

in the meantime, i have more things to worry about.
like whether i'd get my tutorial slots so that i can have at least a 4 day week
and won't have to go through all the hassle of emails and appeals and what not.

more hongkong photos to come.
i promise.

2007-01-09T12:32:00.000+08:00

just some really belated holiday photos...only because i refuse to accept that school has started.

Day ONE

thats me checking out the exchange rates..
thinking if i should change more HKD..heh..

candid shot! parents checking in...
we were really early!

this is what you do when ure bored, hungry and waiting for the mac breakkie to arrive...

my turn! (:

my parents did it too. haha.

my footwear of choice..converse sneakers.
i would have worn my birkies but i didnt want popsicle toes in hongkong.

before take-off.

hongkong international airport

Day TWO

City tour - first stop at Aberdeen Harbour

in the little boat.
the famous (and very expensive) Jumbo Floating Restaurant

me! with the boat uncle in the background. heh.

Next stop - Repluse Bay

one of the most expensive housing areas because of the excellent feng shui.
apparantly, according to the tour guide, jackie chan's house is at the top!

that's me dreaming about the houses i'll never own..

JY with the houses he'll never own too.
ok here's what you do with this photo. click on it and maximise the size. then spot jackie chan's house. its the one with the red roof and the steeple like thingy on top.

my parents.
see the temperature? i love the weather!

the insanely tall housing in hongkong. can you imagine if the lift breaks down?
Final stop - mid way of Victoria Peak

the view.

Family photo!
end of the tour - time for lunch
we had lunch at some famous goose meat place.
but i wasnt in the mood for goose...instead i ordered a chicken katsu noodle.
for a non-japanese place, the katsu was delicious and well fried. it didnt go all soft depsite being in the soup. the noodles were yummy too! done al dente. haha.

dad had the goose rice. it was so yummy he told us to take a photo of it. haha!
dinner time!
thats the problem with hongkong. its all about eating...

this photo acts as a warning. haha. when they serve you cups of tea, especially at roadside stalls, its not for DRINKING, rather its for WASHING your chopsticks with!
dinner - ko lo yoke (sweet&sour pork), veggies and deep fried tofu.
we had more food that wasnt pictures - steamed fish and claypot chicken.

a typical neighbourhood street in hongkong.
Dessert time! that explains my happy face. haha.
the famous dessert chain in hongkong selling a lot of mango stuff.

christmas decorations in a hongkong shopping mall.

the disney-themed decorations.
they really go all out dont they? beats singapore's anytime!

taking the train back to Tsim Sha Tsui.

stay tuned for more to come...

2007-01-07T23:51:00.000+08:00

im really really sorry alicia. sigh. i didnt expect myself to be so irresponsible and careless. it's really times like this whereby a simple sorry doesnt help or change the situation and i accept and admit that fact. sorry again ally.

i keep doing the wrong things. jy should know.

2007-01-06T14:16:00.000+08:00

this pair of jeans would probably cost me EIGHT weeks of absolute starvation.
*bleah.
but i wanttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt.
(say it the famous whiny kat way)
i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want.
i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want.
i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want i want.

Tsubi Jeans - Courtney Black Scooter Jeans

2007-01-05T05:25:00.000+08:00

i've been meaning to blog about hongkong for the longest time ever. laziness and the prospect of blogger hanging on me in the midst of all the uploading of photographs have aided in this delay. but here it is!

erm. well. not exactly hongkong but im starting off with, what else, but FOOD. when you go to hongkong, its common to over-eat. haha. i proved the theory right. (given that i usually dont eat a lot, im quite trustworthy when i make this statement.)

and what better way to start than to show pictures of the delicious western food we had at my aunty's cafe. the food's good and the portions are rather generous.

i cant remember the address exactly but its about a 10 minute walk from times square. if you ever visit hongkong, let me know! i'll go seek out the address for you! in the meantime, feast (pun intended...hurhur) your eyes on the photographs...

Cafe de Cest La Vie

the signboard from outside.
the guy in white is my cousin, his wife is the owner of this cafe.

pan-seared foie gras.
my first time having this and it certainly wouldnt be my last.

cream of brocolli soup

minestrone soup

garlic bread

deep fried soft shell crab.
my and my dad's favourite.

brocolli with lots of cheeseeee.

duck breast risotto.
despite being breast meat, the meat was melt-in-your-mouth tender.

steak and fries.
no idea how this tasted like as i dont eat beef but the general consensus was that it was good.

they call this dish the "seven thousand layer fish".
basically its layers of fish below topped of with a fat prawn on top and surrounded with a tangy cream sauce.
this gets my vote (and my brother's and JY's) for the best dish of that night.

pan-fried chicken with gravy.

mushroom linguini with a light cream-based sauce.

ribs with onion rings.

braised lamb shank with mash potaotes.

the famous hongkong "ying yang" tea - a mixture of milk tea and coffee.

this was my drink - a type of floral tea brewed with fresh peaches.

and finally, who could forget dessert.
crepe filled with cream and fruits.
a nice light dessert after all that meat.

2007-01-03T05:46:00.000+08:00

i cant think of a better way than spending the first day of 2007 with my SPG (student peer group).

thanks guys for the yummilicious dinner of ikea meatballs (complete with the sauce and jam!), the delicious spaghetti (it was definitely the cheddar cheese in the sauce) and the lick-smackingly good potato and egg salad. and of course, who could forget the home-made mudpie. speaking of which, the second batch that sat in my freezer overnight turned up pretty good today!

more than just physical nourishment (more like indulgence really, we should try to have CHEAPER meals next time), i thank God that we had a chance to share our feelings about last year and our thoughts for the new year. let us continue to treasure this bond we have among our group and keep each other in prayer as well as accountable to each other. i really hope to continue being the coordinator with Benny for this year even if im graduating.

press on my dear brothers and sisters and hold fast to the promise that our God will never leave us nor forsake us no matter what challenges this year will bring!

(:

p/s: someone left a half bottle of bacon bits behind! if no one claims, it'll be held hostage in my fridge. *grin

2006-12-30T16:40:00.000+08:00

sometimes, i wish i had a ginormous and amazing talent.
not an eensy weensy hidden talent.
something that would make other proud to be associated with me,
something like being really smart, being able to play an instrument really well or even a leader whom everyone respects.
a talent that would help greatly in making money would be preferable.

i'm not trying to garner support or wallow in self-pity but thats just how the world functions.
at the end of the day, it all boils down to whether its something worth talking about or even mentioning.
it's about how that talent can be put to good use and in the open so everyone will recognize it.
definitely not hidden under the bush or a quiet and shy demeanor.

it makes me wish i had taken piano or art classes instead of ballet.
it makes me wish i were more charismatic and a people's person.
it makes me wish i had studied harder and scored really good grades and got into good schools.
it makes me wish i had mastered the chinese language more, or at least another language (dialects counted).
it makes me wish my parents were more of the pushy kind, rather than letting me develop and do what i enjoyed.

sigh.
God, why does the world have to keep pulling us down?
and sometimes they dont even know theyre doing it...

2006-12-26T15:56:00.000+08:00

i feel like such a proud parent!
haha.
they were amazing. they did such a good job on the day itself.
everything went like clockwork. smooth and in time.
i couldnt have asked for more.
thank you my little actors for being ever so encouraging and just being yourselves.

most of all, thank you GOD for your provision, guidence, patience, strength and love.
there's absolutely no way we could have done an entire musical in four short days if it wasnt for your mercy and grace upon all of us.
thank you too for the people who turned up, both christians and non-christians.

i'm geared up for next year, though i'd probably already be working by then.
perhaps ive found somewhere i can really contribute to.
i suppose i really enjoy doing the "behind-the-scenes" sorta work.
hurhur.
and ive also heard word about a "musical YF camp" the year after.
that sounds exciting.
(:

p/s: thanks CORLISSA for the photo. haha. i stole it off her blog! who has got the musical photographs! send to meeeeeeeeeee!

2006-12-23T14:23:00.000+08:00

i am one exhausted co-producer/director/commander/props-mover/singing-instructor/bao-ga-liao.

BUT
i thank God for

the opportunity to be able to serve in church.
my "little" actors who have been such an encouragement with their enthusiasm and crazy antics.
Amanda who believed in me that i could handle this.
Jun Wen and Jim who have been helping with the music.
Bao Shun who has been meddling with the (lousy) sound system and lightings.
the rest of the actors, though minor roles, they are no less important to the musical (and me!).
everyone else who have been praying for us continually.

only two more days and it'll all be over.
and i bet i'll feel as proud as a parent for my "little" actors.

(:

2006-12-19T03:21:00.000+08:00

i promise to post smthg about my hongkong trip and birthday as soon as i get my hands on the photographs.
and when i do find the time to actually sit down and type something.
this whole week is already filled to the brim with activities and i havent even done any christmas shopping!
*GASP!

2006-12-11T08:39:00.000+08:00

sure we may be young, energetic, full of life and having holidays
BUT
there's a limit to how much we can do
and we definitely have no control over time.

i wish adults would stop seeing us as extra help thats ever ready and always avaliable.
they need to realise that we cant possibly agree to help as and when they want us and need us to be there.

its not that im not happy to be taking on this project,
but the demands from the adults have been unsupportive and unreasonable.

they want a us to put up a musical within the short time that we have and yet make so many unconstructive comments and criticisms.
like how we're only starting intensive rehearsals the week after.
she was appalled and said we should have started earlier.
and then later she said she didnt realise that many would be involved in the week long camp.
the camp was already known since the mid of this year, how could she not realise?

furthermore, they want us, the INTERMEDIATE classes, meaning those at least sec 1 and above, to be the leading actors.
and today she comments that the younger kids, meaning those in primary school, would probably not understand.
seriously, i would like her to write a musical that would appeal across the board, from primary 1 all the way to secondary 4.
why ask us to write the script then?
does she want my actors to play primary school children?

the adults also want my actors, the secondary kids, to sing with the primary school (and below) kids.
i dont blame my actors for feeling sian and embarrassed.
and they will be in their costumes.
how weird will that be for them?
it also means they have to run around.
all because the kids need help.
what about my actors?
we already havent got enough time to practice but the adults still insist that they join the kids for practice.

now i know what A and J are going through.
only today was it my turn to realise and face all this nonsense from the adults.
i just wish they actually looked at themselves and evaluate their actions.

im just hoping the musical will turn out ok.
i know my actors are putting in a lot of hard work despite being busy with other things.
unlike the kids, we do have to do a lot more than them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

on a much happier note,
im leaving for hongkong tomorrow!

really looking forward to the cooler weather.
singapore has been nothing but scorching hot with periodic showers that are of no use.

i also realised that this will be the first time im going to the airport with jun yuan and actually taking the plane with him.
hurhur.

thanks to singtel's auto-roaming,
i'll still be contactable by hp.
but only the important things please.
or just sms me!
(:

2006-12-09T16:18:00.000+08:00

My EARLY birthday present!

Thanks bro.
(:

2006-12-06T11:05:00.000+08:00

finally its my turn to say

THE EXAMS ARE OVER!
woohoo!
but of course, the results will soon follow but thats another episode for another time.
for now, i just want to focus on my so-called freedom and enjoy myself!

and enjoy myself i sure did yesterday at vivocity.
met up with my SPG (student peer group, not sarong party girl) for a "end-of-the-exams-celebration".
ok the celebration for mainly for amanda, benny and myself since jim already finished his exams last week (not fair!) and baoshun doesnt have exams. hurhur.

anyway, amanda and i gave in to our japanese food cravings and headed for sushi tei.
the food, despite being rather pricey, was rather good.
we ordered salmon maki, salmon in some mushroom cream sauce, salmon tofu (lots of salmon today huh), cha soba (my fav!), a dragon roll and teriyaki unagi.
the cha soba was the best, at least for me.
the texture of the noodle was just nice and it was, as it were, done al dente. the dipping sauce was also salty enough.

one problem i had with that place was the service.
initially our salmon tofu arrived and unfortunately, our first excited bite produced cringes on our faces.
it was cold, hard and definitely not tasty much less edible.
so we passed it back to the waitress asking her to check if the dish was supposed to be cold.
along the way, she showed it to another waitress who turned to our table and gave us a nasty look. she obviously thought we wouldnt notice it.
later when she arrived with the new plate, she simply plopped it down on the table with a pissed off expression and walked away.
i would have at least expected an apology and an explanation for the previous cold plate.
tsk tsk tsk.
i dont think i was expecting too much.
especially since sushi tei isnt exactly a cheap restaurant.

after dinner, we decided our sweet tooth(s) needed some attention and we proceeded to TCC as suggested by Benny.
well, given that vivocity is such a humongous place with a messy layout, we walked on and on and on and could not find TCC.
haha.
i wonder if there is TCC in the first place!
we finally gave up when we couldnt find TCC on the map and saw coffee bean.

coffee bean was hilarious.
to cut a long story short, firstly jim blew out the birthday candles on the cake intended for ME, put his foot over the three slices of cake, and amanda almost put the piece of cake that dropped on her toe onto the other cakes on the plate.
ok it doesnt sound all that funny here but it was hilarious.
absolutely hilarious.
thanks guys, it was an awesome birthday celebration!
(:

(sorry you guys have to contend with lousy photos again. no one brought a proper camera out that day!)

amanda and me at sushi tei

amanda and me yet again!

amanda says benny only looks good here because his face isnt facing the camera. haha. how nice.

i lurvveeee japanese food

jim blew out the candles on the tiramisu and blackberry cheese cake!

us again!

benny my fellow hougangian

jim and his "im-the-godfather" pose

ah bao and me

2006-12-03T14:29:00.000+08:00

i hate the fact that my last paper happens to be an open-book exam and starts only at 5pm.
that's just absolutely horrible and such a pain in the butt.
it's like you dont feel like studying anymore but you know you still have to get down to doing something.
something that involves effort and time spent with books and papers and highlighters and post-its.
not really my idea of a wonderful weekend.
but i suppose the phrase "sian ku hou tian" holds true.
im just waiting to jump for joy and announce that
THE EXAMS ARE OVER!
and it also means im a day nearer to my hk trip!

but for now, i'll content myself with watching episodes of Top Chef.
courtesy of cause of mr chinny chin chin.
there's always "tomorrow" to have a date with my books.

little wishes deep down inside
she just wants to have it all
not to show the world her worth
to prove it to her worst nightmare...

2006-11-29T10:48:00.000+08:00

Because i feel that ive already wasted enough paper throughout this semester...

(click on the photo to view it in a larger size)

SAVE THE PLANET!
(:

2006-11-27T10:56:00.000+08:00

After days and weeks of endless (dying) optimistic waiting in anticipation, finally, we have booked our tickets.

HONGKONG HERE I COME!
(woohoo!)

but before the fun, sadly, always comes the pain.
exams exams exams.

doesnt help that i've been down with periodic flues and coughs and sorethroats and UTI and headaches and fevers and otherwhatelsehaveyou.

*bleah.
at least i can look forward to a mid-exam break of dinner at marche on thursday night!

and of course, having JY back (though he's really a distraction, hurhur) during this ghastly examination period is absolutely lovely.

phffttt.
its back to the books.
notes rather.
ok.
whatever.
hur.

2006-11-20T13:12:00.000+08:00

and this is just one of the many reasons why i love you...

2006-11-17T11:20:00.000+08:00

im finally done with all my presentations for this semester...although only a grand total of THREE it felt like i had a thousand...but i guess after the advertising strategies one was over...the rest were pretty much ok and a lot less intimidating...haha...i wonder why...i guess with siyoung and raj at the presentation we knew that we couldnt just bluff our way through and siyoung is known for her high standards and alertness at pointing out incorrect details...hurhur...but thankfully it turned out well despite all the drama we had throughout the preparation...and the other group who did on Charles&Keith as well turned out to be no competition at all...in fact...they shot themselves in their own feet...well i guess thats what you get for being mean to us...they were actually sniggering and whispering among themselves when we were presenting and when they were looking at our final product...the class also bombarded them with questions...which were valid mind you...and all ended well...haha...and at least we have pride in our own work...they stole their advertisement pictures from the very magazine we used to slot in our advertisement...all THREE pictures...tsk tsk tsk...im really hoping siyoung will realise it since we stuck post-its on those pages where they stole the pictures from...

today's final presentation went rather well too considering how last minute everything was...we actually only rehearsed once this morning...yup...i actually reached school at EIGHT am this morning...was insane...haha...i havent woken up so early since JC! but yeah it was alright...despite some last minute drama too...hurhur...surprisingly our dear indian lecturer...who came to sit in today...didnt ask too complicated questions...but as usual...i had to really tune my ears to try and understand what he was saying under his thick indian accent...come to think of it...i wonder if i was even answering his question...haha...

it's time to finish one more term paper and get started on the mugging...shucks...mugging is going really really slow for me...and i must say that its not due to the fact that JY is back...i just dont feel like getting started...and believe me...im no mugger...reallyyyyyyyyyy...i cant exactly sit my butt down for 10 hours straight and study...no way...i think my butt will cramp...haha...oh well...and im still trying to think of a suitable study place besides going all the way back to school and hunting for powerpoint plugs...tsktsktsk...alicia wants to go coffee bean/macs at east coast park...a bit far...but...i'll consider...haha...cause its a lot of fun around her...despite the annoying comments and nonsense and blabberings about spongbob...oh the horrors...hurhur...

and just to end on a much happier note (actually, anthg that has nothing to do with school or term papers or mugging or exams is a happy thing!) my neighbour gave birth on monday to a beautiful little baby girl! Charissa Wang...welcome to the world...haha...she's really cute and tiny (only 2.4kg!) with tons of jet black hair...so exciting...hurhur...but hearing her ordeal and pain throughout the labour period is seriously...very very very...scary...who ever said being a female was easy should be shot! *bleah.

2006-11-13T14:14:00.000+08:00

Guess whos back?
(:

(with a 4kg box of mushrooms worth AUD$30 + USD$75 no less)

2006-11-08T15:09:00.000+08:00

Advertising Strategies Presentation

061106
(pls forgive the very very blurred and lousy quality photos)

The Presenters:
Michele (and her killer heels)

Heather (and her funky red pointy toes)

Kim (and her broken masking-taped heels)

Mary (and her mondo heels)
And finally, ME! (and my cheap and relatively comfy VNC heels)

and me again! only because i was trying to pose. hur.

ok. fine. i know. enough of me. haha.

the group that made it possible:

thanks to each and everyone of you. we had a really tough time but i'm glad it's all over. i couldnt have asked for better group members to work with. let's keep in touch and do more NM modules together next semester!
(:

AND FINALLY,
this one's for you ally
Michele says it looks like a mutated child/offspring of spongebob and squidward!
HA.

2006-11-05T07:12:00.000+08:00

For a project thats only worth a freakin 30%, i honestly think i care too much.
and im way past caring if you think im too pushy,
because im not the kind who relishes in half-past-six sort of work.

2006-11-02T11:58:00.000+08:00

"But you dont look pissed or unhappy at all Kat..."

~leon

2006-10-29T02:22:00.000+08:00

Although the semester isnt over yet, i think i can safely conclude that this has been the toughest and most trying so far.

Like i've told some people, i miss the days when i was doing mostly literature modules. This meant that it was just individual essays to hand up and not projects laden with lots of field work and presentations.
But not that i really mind project work. I find it's a lot more interesting than simply churning out essays and a hands-on experience is definitely a whole lot more fun.

However, what led me to this comparison is really the whole notion of "individual" versus "group".
No names here but let's just say quite a few have already managed to irk me. For those who know me well, i usually dont get angry or worked up over such things, especially when it comes to other people. But this time, i think they have succeeded in frustrating me.

Up until now i still havent got parts of a project due next tuesday. Its really annoying me because its not like i dont have other things to do. And the recipient involved promised to email it to me on tuesay. Then she apologised and said Friday. Then she said by 7pm Friday. So much for keeping to deadlines, and (more importantly) to your words. Im extremely frustrated because i cant consolidate the whole project because it is her parts which are missing.
BAH.

But on top of it all, i feel like there's something that i need to learn. JY reminded me that as much as others are praying for me, i need to pray for myself too. sometimes i feel like i refuse to seek God's help, only God knows why im so stupid to refuse divine help, and i trudge along like an old woman with a hunch. i need to start relying on Him entirely. And to cast all my cares on Him for He cares for me. Even a grumbling tired kathleen like me.

Of course there are those who have been listenning to me rant. Thanks. You all have made it that much more bearable.

And, on a much happier note, im finally going to order my birkies. Only one problem, which one? *grin

Gizeh Bronze

Madrid Rain of Flowers (orange)

Madrid Kimono (beige)

Madrid Kimono (black)

Why cant i just buy them all?

2006-10-26T07:58:00.000+08:00

in all honestly, im quite fed up.
what's the point of emailing in my questions when replies are as hard to come by as a 100 dollar bill on the sidewalk.
and when emails are sent out, im not even part of the mailing list.
emails with important information might i add.
or when they come in when the deadline is already over.

so far, i feel like ive been self-taught and relying on friends from other classes.

sigh.
im already predicting a big fat C for this module.