Won-der-luhst

Rated : Drool Worthy

2012-01-31T18:32:00.000+08:00

So my colleague sent this picture of Adam Levine, and I promptly spent the next ~~1, 3, 6~~, fine, 24 minutes or so gawking.

I think the general consensus in this office is that those lucky hands...

The Itch That Never Goes Away

2012-01-27T17:30:00.000+08:00

भारत गणराज्य

2012-01-23T13:00:00.000+08:00

For those who know, I've been saying that I would like to visit India, guiltily, for a few years now. So, perhaps one of the resolutions for this year shall be that. I say perhaps, because don't we all know that resolutions are made to be broken. Although this is something that I really want to do, for myself. It's such a beautiful, charming and mystical place. Besides, Louis Vuitton recently shot their travel campaign in Rajasthan. It's a sign.

Places of 2011

2012-01-20T16:48:00.001+08:00

It's a year of travel. Just the way I like it. Some planned for, others not. Here are some highlights:

Feb- Philippines - For the first time in my life I saw such clear clean waters.

Chocolate Hills - huge expanse of coco plants, hence the name

Danao Plunge - overcame my height of heights and plummeted 45m free fall before being launched on a pendulum swing of over a hundred meters.

March - The little dude's first vacay to Malacca. With his parents of course.

April - Phuket with the dear girl. On a Hong tour.

Rode a horse for the first time.

Rode a scooter for the first time.

April - Up to Genting with the karmic twin.

June - The Wee siblings gathered in London, sans one brother.

Road trip to Cornwall and St Ives.

Paris. Quite disappointing actually.

October/November - Watching an EPL match (Newcastle vs Everton, 2:1) live. Awesome experience.

Edinburgh - a modern city that still retained its medieval charms.

My resolution for 2012? To be able to travel like 2011. Here is where I will do the Sheldon laugh.

True story.

2012-01-14T22:54:00.001+08:00

I'm not good at relationships.

I'm scared of being hurt, scared of under delivering what is expected of me, scared of not being the kind of person the other person thought me to be.

Family, friends, the Dude. I've somehow managed to screw it up some way or the other even though I know they are so very important to me. Some salvageable, others not. Why must it be so complicated?

Even having a relationship with myself is so tiring. I find myself confused, complicated, unreasonable and difficult. How can anyone else even stand me?

No, this is not a self-loathing and pity grabbing post. I recognize the problem and the solution is to be nice and smiley to everyone. But it's so hard, because that's not me.

When I see someone who is so affable and able to make a connection with just about anyone, I wonder how they do it. How do they know what to talk about? How do you continue the conversation? How do you seem to make it look so interesting? I tried to be nice, but it obviously isn't enough. I tried to be sensitive, but it's been construed as rude. I tried to be understanding, however it seems like that is expected of me. There is no pleasing everyone.

So what do I do now?

Paris is not a city of love. At least not for me.

2011-11-22T09:49:00.001+08:00

I am zoning out in the train and looking at everyone being so engrossed in their iPhones/iPad/pretending to sleep and I'm suddenly transported back to the summer of 2010.

The dude and I were in Barcelona and we weren't together yet. We just arrived and after a quick pitstop at the hotel to drop the bags, we went walking and to have dinner. We ended up at a restaurant right at the doorstep of the Sagrada Familia.

It was dusk, the streets were quiet, there were only a couple of patrons at the restaurant. Of course we ordered paella. Evening chill as the sun set progressively lower. We sat under a tree. At one point it drizzled slightly.

The food came, we ate and talked. About what, I don't recall. It gets darker and colder. Across the street the construction sounds at the Sagrada fades. There is a petrol kiosk at the junction. It grew brighter with the ticking of the clock's hand.

Coffee came. The Sagrada lit up. That day I fell in love with Barcelona, and possibly him.

Reality is a beep

2011-11-13T16:20:00.001+08:00

First week back in reality zoomed by, which was good and bad. Good - time passes by really fast because there was so much catching up and understanding to do. Bad - it doesn't feel like I've been back for only a week!

I went from a three week vacation mode straight into a 12-hr work day, and had to endure a minor jet-lag. However, so far work has been good. Then again, it's only the first week and it's still too early to say. Compared to the previous place, I do feel more sense off responsibility and more importantly, a sense of ownership to the project that I'm handling.

Environment is quite casual and relaxed, nice colleagues and team-mates are very helpful and pretty funny. Then again, it's only the first week and when you're new, everyone tend to be nice. Ha, having a case of skeptics now.

Well, it does say something when I'm spending part of my Sunday catching up on emails, reading through guidelines and trying to stay on top of things doesn't it.

Sort of a recap.

2011-11-03T16:52:00.000+08:00

To use an old cliché, time really passes in the blink of an eye. On hindsight, the job search that lasted for about eight months ended with an interview, job offer a week later and signing of contract and resignation two days later. To top things up, a request to leave earlier than the stated two months notice resulted in me serving just a two weeks notice. Of course, that means that I have three weeks to spare before the start of the new job and Dude says 'come on over!', and so I did.

Before the trip, three glorious weeks of 'nothingness' - no plans at all, items in my itinerary were really just items that need not be ticked off (although I did ticked off quite a few. Some, like this heavenly place called Primark, were ticked off several times). A last minute decision to visit Edinburgh and just yesterday, it seems like I'll be spending my last day here watching Newcastle vs Everton. But, once again, Queen Cliché would be proud. 3 weeks. Blink. No more.

I will definitely miss my time here. Heck, even while typing this I missed it already. The days of no agenda. Usually after the Dude goes to work, I'll laze a little more, surf the net and eat breakfast in bed. Then I'll have to make the difficult decision of either staying at home and eat junk food for meals and watch Big Bang Theory/How I Met Your Mother until it's time to prepare dinner or head out into the city and eventually end up in that ~~evil~~ heavenly Primark. Although I do need to clarify that H&M would have been in the top spot had they had accessories for less than £1.

Here are some visual memories:

Castle Keep

Tyne Bridge

University of Newcastle

Tynemouth

View of the city from Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh by night- such a beautiful city

We went for The Double Dead Tour - exclusively for Halloween only.

Us on top of Edinburgh Castle

Notes from the Northeast UK.

2011-10-27T15:38:00.000+08:00

It's been about 1.5 weeks since I've arrived here in Newcastle, UK. By the third day, I've finished exploring the city centre and there really is not much left to do. There are some days when I wake up after the Dude left for work and it will struck me that I have the whole day in front of me, what do I do? Shall I go to Blake's - have a cuppa, read my new book, and walk aimlessly? Should I visit the museums - as of now I have yet to visit the Laing Art Gallery or Center for Life?

I could possibly visit the nearby towns except the Dude has specifically barred me from going to London ('too many shopping hazards') and Birmingham (it's too similar to London) and honestly, I am getting a little bored to castles and parks. Nonetheless, every time I feel bored, I'll think of those times when I was stuck in office being unproductive and I'll give thanks that I'm being unproductive here instead. Everyday I'll remind myself to be thankful of my time here, to slowly savour it and to live in the moment.

I'm also enjoying the times spent with the Dude, him having to work on weekdays leaves us with very little time indeed. I'll enjoy the dinners that he prepared (note to self: never eat his white wine seafood pasta on an empty stomach, always have pre-dinner food!), watching movies or him showing clips from Youtube (Zeigeist, anyone?), or simply just chilling. These are moments that I know I would greatly miss when I get back.

Alright, enough for now, I shall go prepare my breakfast of Coco Pops and Mars Milk - which of course the Dude would disapprove of - and maybe go to Blake's before checking out Laing, for real.

Au revoir.

The Dude's famous white wine seafood pasta.

2011-10-27T01:02:00.001+08:00

Gonna miss cooking in this kitchen...

2011-10-26T00:10:00.001+08:00

Golden Treasure

2011-10-25T18:46:00.001+08:00

Stash from Primark

2011-10-25T17:55:00.001+08:00

Not proud of what I did...

2011-10-24T23:46:00.001+08:00

Swan

2011-10-24T22:11:00.001+08:00

Taken at Leazes Park

Saying hi to nature

2011-10-24T21:44:00.001+08:00

Taken at Leazes Park

On route - Grainger St

2011-10-24T19:29:00.001+08:00

Tamarind Chicken - darn awesome taste of home!!!!

2011-10-24T04:17:00.001+08:00

Multitasking : shading from the sun and acting like a soldier.

2011-10-23T05:04:00.001+08:00

Taken at Castle Keep

Hotpot on a 10degrees weather is awesome.

2011-10-23T01:25:00.001+08:00

Beautiful

2011-10-22T20:13:00.001+08:00

Taken at Tynemouth Priory and Castle

Spicy beef casserole and sautéed French beans with seafood, with brown bread toast by the side. Cooked by me!

2011-10-21T01:23:00.001+08:00

RAAAAWR!!!

2011-10-20T18:31:00.001+08:00

Taken at Hancock Museum

Cheeeeeeeeeeese

2011-10-20T17:14:00.001+08:00

Nice cuppa, cheese jacket, road lined with Victorian buildings, lonely planet recommended cafe, a whole day of exploring.

2011-10-20T17:03:00.001+08:00

Taken at Blakes

All bundled up and ready to brave the cold!

2011-10-20T16:14:00.001+08:00

Looking retard but keeping warm is of utmost importance here!

2011-10-20T05:43:00.001+08:00

The original Charles Earl Grey, of whom the tea was named after.

2011-10-18T23:51:00.001+08:00

Taken at Monument

I miss my darling boy!!! 😭

2011-10-18T22:51:00.001+08:00

Piping earl grey tea with steaming beef casserole. When cold, eat.

2011-10-18T22:28:00.001+08:00

Taken at Marks and Spencer

1degree? You have GOT to be kidding me.

2011-10-18T17:46:00.001+08:00

Journey begins.

2011-10-14T23:00:00.001+08:00

Taken at Changi Airport Terminal 1 

On route

2011-10-14T22:25:00.001+08:00

Taken at Terminal 1

Beige & Brown with a splash of red.

2011-10-14T09:07:00.001+08:00

Precious

2011-10-13T21:53:00.001+08:00

All dressed up for his mama's birthday!

2011-10-13T21:52:00.001+08:00

Exit Interview and I'm free.

2011-10-13T11:22:00.001+08:00

Farewell lunch!

2011-10-12T15:26:00.001+08:00

Holding on while I still can.

2011-10-12T09:21:00.001+08:00

It's a joy waking up to his cheery disposition in the morning.

2011-10-12T09:18:00.001+08:00

Love quiet moments like this - when he's not buggering to be carried, or destroying things, or both.

2011-10-11T22:09:00.001+08:00

Little Dude is being a sticky dude... Can't get out of his sight!

2011-10-11T22:07:00.001+08:00

For memory's sake.

2011-10-11T12:28:00.001+08:00

Taken at PMG Asia Pacific Pte Ltd

2011-10-10T11:54:00.000+08:00

So the weather in Newcastle, UK is a cold and wet 10-16 degrees, which actually would not be that bad if the Dude didn't actually say that he is cold - and don't we all know that if he says its cold, its cold.

I've been in a dilemma to what to bring for the trip. Three weeks, Fall, cold weather and in the words of the Dude, 'pack light'. HUH ? WHAT'S THAT ? My ideal cosy temperature is between the range of 24-26 degrees, which really does say alot on how I am going to handle the coastal north England fall. God knows how many times I've packed and unpacked the luggage. For example, yesterday after I finished zipping up for real , the Dude says he's cold. Then I freaked out wondering if what I'm wearing to the airport will be enough for when I arrive. How long will we stay outdoors? What's the walking distance from the metro to his place? How expose will I be? Will it rain? Will there be sun? What's the wind speed? Yes, dear reader, I'm a crazy paranoid woman. Love you too.

In order to fulfill the keep warm, pack light mantra, I've decided to go with the tunic/leggings/jacket route. Although I did pack a pair of jeans just in case. The below two sets are what I would wear and pretty similar to what I've packed, of course not the exact brands, I wish!

TopShop scoop neck top, $36
ELLA black jacket, 299 SEK
TopShop black pants, $24
Dr. Martens cuffed boots, $150
Mulberry satchel bag, $1,800
Maison Martin Margiela yellow gold jewelry, €290
Chan Luu 14k jewelry, $145

Knit top, $1,995
Acne leather jacket, £805
Supertrash boy friend jeans, €120
Tie boots, $695
Leather bag, $2,345
Juicy Couture clear crystal earrings, $48
Ray-Ban gold shades, £123

C'est moi.

2011-10-09T22:30:00.001+08:00

Just one of the many examples of him bullying me and I, blissfully unaware.

2011-10-09T22:29:00.001+08:00

Making unhealthy instant noodles somewhat healthier. 

2011-10-09T19:13:00.001+08:00

Gonna survive on these for three weeks. God save the Me. 

2011-10-07T01:11:00.001+08:00

Seared tuna salad!

2011-10-06T13:31:00.001+08:00

Taken at Skinny Pizza Raffles City

Down, wool, tweed, leather. Why are winter colours so boring? I know it's only Oct (autumn) but I'm an island girl! #spaghettithoughts

2011-10-05T21:10:00.001+08:00

Life Lesson 05: Birds are friends (and food).

2011-10-05T11:04:00.003+08:00

This is how we rock da hood, y'all. Learn!

2011-10-05T11:02:00.001+08:00

Beef stew on a rainy day

2011-10-04T13:09:00.001+08:00

Taken at Group Therapy

Count down begins!

2011-10-04T00:42:00.001+08:00



2011-10-03T22:26:00.001+08:00

Dessert time!

2011-10-03T13:15:00.003+08:00

Dessert time!

2011-10-03T13:15:00.001+08:00

Londinium

2011-10-03T12:03:00.001+08:00

London is one of those cities that has many having a love-hate relationship with. Many griped about how expensive it is to live/vacation there, how insufferable the Tube system is and how course, the weather. However, it is one of my favourite cities. But I love absolutely love how interesting it is - the history, culture, architect, fashion - a mishmash of everything into a international cauldron of vibrancy.

Sight:
Morning madness as commuters walked through the endless tunnels within the Tube stations, I've been there twice and I still get confused as to where to go, which tunnels linked to which line, etc. Although it's a rush, but there is some sort of 'structure' to it. People seem to know where to go, they give way and they don't rush into trains (not like Singaporeans). Once you get ejected out into the streets, rows and rows of medieval/Victorian houses lined the streets. People walking or strolling with cups of takeaway coffee, the occasional dog, the random busker. We visited Kew Gardens the last time I was there and I'd definitely encourage anyone to visit one of their many huge gardens for some respite from the madness of city life.

I'm not going to list any attractions here because you can easily find the list on those tourist websites. Instead, I'm going to tell you about the experiences instead. I visited the Tower of London and it was quite an experience to walk where kings and queens once walked and lived. We saw where King Henry beheaded his six wives and where many countless others were as well, the church where they worshiped (at the fall of their enemy) and prayed for their salvation (I believe I will spend much time there if a charge of treason were brought against me by a deranged king), and queued for some time to see the crown jewels for real (psst, they are uninsured).

For some more history lessons with alot of fun, try the London Dungeon. Admittedly, this was a very impromptu stop as I initially wanted to catch a play. But the Dude suggested and I thought why not! It was not scary at all and I think we scared ourselves more with 'walk with your backs to the wall!' tactics.

Taste:
On some days, my mornings begin from Leicester Square as the Dude needs his fix of piping hot dumpling soup and you tiao. Sometimes we will head to the nearby Bayswater area instead (Valerie's!) for some scones and hot chocolate. There is also a very famous Cantonese restaurant at Queensway called Royal China, I totally dig their carrot cake.

For a taste of French, try Laduree for their insanely thick hot chocolate and teeth decaying macaroons.

You also have got to try Cornish pasty! I had cravings for it the entire year after the first time I tried it. There are different flavours available and pair it with some tea or latte, it's bliss. I like those from The West Cornwall Pasty Company and you can find the shops at tube stations. Strangely, I didn't have any Cornish pasty while I was in Cornwall.

We also chanced upon Guerilla Burgers when we needed shelter from the insane rain. Nice ambiance, big juicy American style burgers and it was warm.

We also visited Maze Grill and Barbecoa.

Shopping:
London is well-known for its many markets such as Camden Market, Portobello Market and etc. They have some really interesting shops there and some great finds. I'm going to share something I'll probably regret but it's such a waste not to. Go to Camden Market and look for this shoe shop called Octavio Vera. They have such gorgeous heels and it's so unfortunate that I'll look more amazonian than an amazonian woman should I wear them.

Of course, the typical shopping streets are not to be missed. Oxford, Regent and Bond Streets are expensive on Monopoly Boards but also in real life.

Next up, and if I feel like it, a post on Barcelona - my second favorite city!

Little Mr Chatterbox had a very brief moment of respite.

2011-10-02T23:39:00.001+08:00

His 'A-HA-HA' laughter

2011-10-02T23:35:00.001+08:00

Oh yeah!

2011-10-02T18:11:00.001+08:00

Taken at Arnold's Fried Chicken

Drugged

2011-10-02T12:59:00.001+08:00

Look who just had a hair cut!

2011-10-01T14:54:00.001+08:00

Look who just had a haircut!

2011-10-01T14:53:00.001+08:00

See you later.

2011-09-29T13:19:00.003+08:00

As usual when the Dude is back, it is usually a flurry of activities such as the many meals with his family, visits to the new house, drinks with friends, errands to run and this time, the biking session and even bringing the dog to the beach. In short, no time for me.

Even when it's just us alone, it usually is because we are on the way to meals/meet-ups/errands. Enough is enough! Here's what throwing a fit does. He gets dressed up, gelled his hair (gasps), puts on a nice pair of shoes and off we went to a nice dinner that consists of us stuffing our faces silly with chili and black pepper crabs at Long Beach (Dempsey).

Then we went to collect his sister's birthday cake and present.

But whatever, I'm just so glad to have him physically with me that I don't care what we do as long as we do it together.

Important dudes of my life. Love it that they got on so well with each other.

Bought Tommy to Sentosa where he proceeded to pee on every single lamp post and bush he could find.

Looking forward makes the days pass by faster.

He who makes me wanna strangle him when he's around but also makes me miss terribly when he's not.

2011-09-29T00:18:00.001+08:00

Taken at Changi Airport Terminal 1

It's not goodbye, it's see you later.

2011-09-28T17:35:00.001+08:00

At the Dude's new place

2011-09-27T15:27:00.001+08:00

Red Lanterns

2011-09-27T11:57:00.001+08:00

Beers for the dudes, cranberry juice for the designated driver aka me. 

2011-09-26T22:43:00.001+08:00

Taken at Three Crowns Booze & Grub

When made to wait with a restless canine, taking pics won't help.

2011-09-25T19:21:00.001+08:00

Taken at Jelita Shopping Centre

Waiting

2011-09-25T19:03:00.001+08:00

Taken at Jelita Shopping Centre

I just cycled 15km with this dude and am about to fall over from heat & exhaustion.

2011-09-25T16:36:00.001+08:00

I throw, you catch.

2011-09-24T10:40:00.001+08:00

Taken at Palawan Beach, Sentosa

Saturday, sun, sand, sea.

2011-09-24T09:04:00.001+08:00

Taking the public transport for the first time with the pseudo tourist

2011-09-23T21:35:00.001+08:00

Satisfying another one of his many insatiable cravings.

2011-09-22T15:09:00.001+08:00

Taken at Wisma Atria

@ The Dude's new place.

2011-09-21T15:53:00.001+08:00

Pool

2011-09-21T15:49:00.001+08:00

2 of my boys

2011-09-18T19:58:00.001+08:00

Small dude meets big dude

2011-09-18T17:28:00.001+08:00

Hanging out with the Dude and his boys.

2011-09-17T22:39:00.001+08:00

Taken at The Oz Bar

IF I'm half- German, this is how I'd look like.

2011-09-15T22:23:00.001+08:00

Glad that I made a difference. 

2011-09-15T18:54:00.001+08:00

Cuppa

2011-09-15T10:49:00.001+08:00

Taken at The Plain

Friends and Followers

2011-09-14T09:51:00.001+08:00

The thing about having colleagues as 'friends' on FaceBook (FB) and 'followers' on Twitter means only one thing - no more privacy. You can't freely say what you want, no more bitching about them (of course I don't do that!) and somehow there's this slight hesitation when you post things up.

Tweets has to be cryptical if you want to talk about work or them. And if you restrict their views on FB, they will hound you. 'Eh, can't see your photos leh, you block me ah?'

Moral of the story? Don't. No matter how enticing they made adding you as a friend to be - 'so we can know each other more as colleagues! - or from one of those 'friends collector' - add me, add add add!!!- don't.do.it.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I've this slideshow widget on my desktop and these pictures came up. He was such a happy baby and is such a happy toddler, and always been such a blessing.

2011-09-12T16:38:00.001+08:00

Airy Fairy

2011-09-12T13:37:00.001+08:00

So I've mentioned before that I absolutely love this designer - Elie Saab. His designs are so soft, feminine and ethereal. I would so love to have a dress from him.

Some of his dresses from the Fall 2011 Haute Couture Collection:

How I love him so.

2011-09-11T21:18:00.001+08:00

Happy Mid Autumn!

2011-09-11T20:55:00.001+08:00

Freshly baked!

2011-09-11T15:13:00.001+08:00

The house elf hard at work.

2011-09-09T12:16:00.001+08:00

Afternoon delight

2011-09-08T15:47:00.001+08:00

Double Choc!

2011-09-08T13:55:00.001+08:00

The two boys I sleep with. gasp!

2011-09-07T22:31:00.001+08:00

Cheese shaker fries. Awesome!

2011-09-07T13:26:00.001+08:00

Abstract

2011-09-07T10:24:00.001+08:00

New cover for Phonie!

2011-09-06T13:26:00.001+08:00

Terms of endearment 

2011-09-05T16:47:00.001+08:00

Only one is edible. Which?

2011-09-04T21:23:00.001+08:00

Won-der-luhst

Rated : Drool Worthy

The Itch That Never Goes Away

भारत गणराज्य

Places of 2011

True story.

Paris is not a city of love. At least not for me.

Reality is a *beep*

Sort of a recap.

Notes from the Northeast UK.

The Dude's famous white wine seafood pasta.

Gonna miss cooking in this kitchen...

Golden Treasure

Stash from Primark

Not proud of what I did...

Swan

Saying hi to nature

On route - Grainger St

Tamarind Chicken - darn awesome taste of home!!!!

Multitasking : shading from the sun and acting like a soldier.

Hotpot on a 10degrees weather is awesome.

Beautiful

Spicy beef casserole and sautéed French beans with seafood, with brown bread toast by the side. Cooked by me!

RAAAAWR!!!

Cheeeeeeeeeeese

Nice cuppa, cheese jacket, road lined with Victorian buildings, lonely planet recommended cafe, a whole day of exploring.

All bundled up and ready to brave the cold!

Looking retard but keeping warm is of utmost importance here!

The original Charles Earl Grey, of whom the tea was named after.

I miss my darling boy!!! 😭

Piping earl grey tea with steaming beef casserole. When cold, eat.

1degree? You have GOT to be kidding me.

Journey begins.

On route

Beige & Brown with a splash of red.

Precious

All dressed up for his mama's birthday!

Exit Interview and I'm free.

Farewell lunch!

Holding on while I still can.

It's a joy waking up to his cheery disposition in the morning.

Love quiet moments like this - when he's not buggering to be carried, or destroying things, or both.

Little Dude is being a sticky dude... Can't get out of his sight!

For memory's sake.

C'est moi.

Just one of the many examples of him bullying me and I, blissfully unaware.

Making unhealthy instant noodles somewhat healthier. 

Gonna survive on these for three weeks. God save the Me. 

Seared tuna salad!

Down, wool, tweed, leather. Why are winter colours so boring? I know it's only Oct (autumn) but I'm an island girl! #spaghettithoughts

Life Lesson 05: Birds are friends (and food).

This is how we rock da hood, y'all. Learn!

Beef stew on a rainy day

Count down begins!



Dessert time!

Dessert time!

Londinium

Little Mr Chatterbox had a very brief moment of respite.

His 'A-HA-HA' laughter

Oh yeah!

Drugged

Look who just had a hair cut!

Look who just had a haircut!

See you later.

He who makes me wanna strangle him when he's around but also makes me miss terribly when he's not.

It's not goodbye, it's see you later.

At the Dude's new place

Red Lanterns

Beers for the dudes, cranberry juice for the designated driver aka me. 

When made to wait with a restless canine, taking pics won't help.

Waiting

I just cycled 15km with this dude and am about to fall over from heat & exhaustion.

I throw, you catch.

Saturday, sun, sand, sea.

Taking the public transport for the first time with the pseudo tourist

Satisfying another one of his many insatiable cravings.

@ The Dude's new place.

Pool

2 of my boys

Reality is a beep

The two boys I sleep with. gasp!