Idyllic life in Chengdu

Life in Chengdu is really good.

Cat Flying woke up early in the morning at 10.00am and then zoomed out of house to meet Sister-in-law for tim sum breakfast at Jade Laurel. The afternoon was spend shopping in "Bai Lian Tian Fu" shopping mall and went home empty-handed.

The rest of the gang went to "Big Foot" for another foot massage, which I declined.

W is flying back to Singapore today. I am also looking forward to going home, resume my normal working life. Though of cos, I am reluctant to leave my hubby. What to do? Cat has a life back home.

My infamous MIL is washing clothes (hand wash) despite me telling her there's a washing machine. In the end, some of my clothes left un-washed in the machine as i dare not pass her my clothes to wash. It's so personal. And she is NOT my maid.

Wonder how my China SIL can get along with her? To me i find it an insult to my independence and competency, if she keeps on calling me to find out whether baby is ok blar blar... You reach home safely blar blar.. My SIL seems to be able to take it in stride. Unlike me.

Oh.. and my SIL knows MIL is going to stay with her after i leave. She looks quite alright with it. I am sure deep down, she must be resenting it. After all, her parents house has only 2 bedrooms, 1 toilet and there will be 4 adults 1 kiddo, 1 baby to share.

What a crowd!

Enough of Washing Leg

For the past 5 consecutive days (since Friday) minus the day I had diarrhea. W has been dragging us go to the local health club called "Tian Yi Zhen Tang" for washing leg.

Washing leg = Where one's leg were being rubbed, washed and massage by the young gal masseur for 110 mins and and occasional shoulder pounding and some almost bone breaking maneuver. Cost 40-60RMB per session.

Not to mention some ocassions where the gal's hand will wander up to accidentally touch some "um humph" part when they apply pressure our the pelvic bone.

W has been enjoying all these and we the gang, like the "pei tai zi du shu" (accompany the crown prince to study).

Washing leg is Not cheap. So far we have spend a total of 350 RMB no less till date. And my muscles are protesting over the "overkill".

Oh.. i forgot to add that you can choose whoever the masseur you fancy!

Update - 3 April Wednesday. Discovered some bruise on my leg.. Argh...

My blur blur MIL

Few days with mil and I already find that she is very lacking in intelligence aka blur.

Just this morning she demonstrated her skills while washing hair in the local salon.

We were told by T not to reveal our identities - as in where we come from to any service providers. Reasons being - once they know you are from singapore, the SA will try to hard sell you into buying very expensive products and also try to convince you to buy the most expensive service.

Because, Singaporeans can afford it!

So I was very pissed when my mil, washing hair beside me start to narrate her whole family history to the shampoo gal. My jaw dropped? Didn't I say we were from Guandong province yesterday? Now she over-turned my so nice story to said we are from Singapore.

Shit!!!!

As expected, the tub of spa which i was asking earlier escalated from 300 rmb to 388 rmb when she said she want to buy. Then while washing hair she revealed.

1. She has 4 kids. (Policy in China only 1 kid!! argh...)
2. We come from Singapore
3. She will ask the maid to apply the spa product at home
4. How much it cost to do her hair in Singapore
5. She assured the SA she will definitely buy the product 388rmb tomorrow
6. She told the shampoo gal, that W wanted to come last night despite we had done shampooing yesterday morning. And W lovvvveee to wash hair.

Are all the above necessary? I hardly chit chat with my stylist. And if i do it, will ask rather say reveal. Especially not to strangers in a foreign land. So dangerous!

So, before she finished. All the SA pound on her like a pack of wolves.

A blur lamb who is oblivious about all the happenings?

I always find it funny. Why she who helps out in the family business could be this street unsavvy??

Tim Sum at Jade Laurel

Yes!

My diarrhea finally pulled a full stop this morning. As expected, mil wanted to go eat tim sum so the whole gang of us went to a very high class restaurant (Jade Laurel) in Chengdu city for a Tim Sum brunch.



Honestly, I wasn't too comfortable with eating tim sum but since T didn't protest (even though i nagged him last night) I went along with empress dowager and reminded myself not to partake oily food. Very brave.

My favourite "Chan Bao". A delicious mini bun with char siew wrapped in, with a very thin of layer of skin. yum yum....

"Har Kow". Big prawns wrapped with a thin layer of rice flour. Prawns were very fresh and the skin was "springy". Better than the ones served in Singapore Chinatown teahouses.

The super oily "Beijing Duck" which was very tempting. Cat Flying couldn't resist and took 2 portions of the duckee wrapped with a layer of pancake skin, hoisin sauce, cucumber and spring onions. Oishi neh...

Our menu consisted of

1. " Chan Bao" (Mini Char Siew Bun)
2. "Beijing Duck"
3. "Pai Gu" (Steam Pork Rib)
4. "Feng Zhao" (Steam Chicken Feet)
5. "Zhu Chan Feng" (Chee Chong Fun)
6. "Har Gow"
7. Dried Scallop with Corn Porridge
8. Fried Bitter Gourd with Beijing Duck meat.

4 of us made up the whole entourage. C.F, T, W and Mil. I didn't eat much thus was ravenous at about 5.30pm when shopping in Carrefour. I did something embarrassing. I went to those food demonstators and took free soups and coffee, pretending to be "very interested". No choice. Better thick skin than suffer the effects of a gastric attack.

Dinner at Peter

Ah... then this brave cat followed the inconsiderate entourage to "Peter" for dinner. I had pizza, steak and pork chop, cream of mushroom and caesar salad.

Better later pray I will be alright tomorrow.

Where is Clinic?

I am too free. To be able to blog 3 times a day. This is a record.

I have lost count of the umpteen times I dashed to toilet. All out are plain loose and watery bowels! (yucks!) Wind kept churning my stomach. Alot of gas to fart but i dare not in case some "stuff" accidentally escape! Argh....

And to idle the time away being an invalid, I watched dvd. A taiwanese idol series titled "Love Magician".

I am starting to dislike China. How to imagine my life here? Too boring. No doctors to visit even though i am down with severe diarrhea. People here just make do i think, with pharmacy medicine, only visiting hospital when things can't be controlled.

There's no clinic anywhere, and I was told that the standard norm for hospital to treat patient is to put them on drip. Regardless of what you are suffering. Drip first.

I am a hypochondriac and unfortunately always fall sickkk. How can I survive in a place where there's no clinic?

And yeah. The tibetian doc in yunan said i have a weak gastric. That's so true. Cat Flying got to go seek TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) when i return home. To cure my gastric, gynaecology problems and also perhaps my nose. Tibet doc said my nose will be crooked in 10 years to come.

I don't want!!!!!

And another reason i don't think i want to come is that T is too busy working. He just ticked me off for disturbing his thoughts while he is writing email. Is work more important than wife?

I think perhaps i should also put work ahead of husband? Am I now? Cos I am still stubbornly holding my job living lifes apart.

And mother in law suggested going to "Tim Sum" tomorrow for breakfast (not taking into consideration my current state of "diarrhea". Sigh.. I retract my earlier statement made today.

I am siickkk

Still not feeling better but definitely better than W.

(above pic extracked from Stickgal)

Stomach weak

A week of oily, fattening spicy food finally took it toll on me.

Diarrhea.

Since yesterday morning I have been running to the toilet (even when i was out shopping). Stopped for a while afternoon, then Cat flying was too complacent with her recovery and ate a very full dinner and eat strawberries for supper.

Last night/ this wee morning, the diarrhea attacked. Since moring I have at least visited the dear toilet for 6-7 times and i feel there will be more visits.

Took thai medicine "Five Pagoda" and went to sleep for a while. Even my 2 charcoals last night didn't help. I felt the stomach moving, alot of wind..

Mother-in-law arrived here last night and is helping me cook congee for lunch. At this time, I would say I am fortunate to have a mil minus the lack of EQ .

Oh. I am not the only who is having diarrhea. W got his last night and he is at least 2 times bigger than me. If a buffalo couldn't resist the virus, what more a rabbit?

Surprising, T is ok. Maybe he has accustomed to the oily food and hygiene here.

Mil calling to eat congee now. Will blog later.

Back Back Back

I am back!

I have survived 700km to Yunan (not kunming), 3500m high up the mountains, braving the cold wind and high altitude sickness.

In travelling, there's no way to keep up my make up regime. Especially when the weather is about 5 degress in the mountains and about 15 degrees in Lijiang. I slacken.

No toner, no makeup. No perfume. Can't be bothered. How i managed to shower everyday in the freaking cold weather is a miracle.

I am still a tropic gal true and true.

Cat is off vacationing

Stealing few minutes to blog before leaving for Chengdu Airport.

Cat Flying will be vacationing in Kunming/ Lijiang and won't be back till 28th April 06. Please drop by after 28th for more updates and pics!

Oh... and i had my first taste of rabbit meat this afternoon. It taste like very chicken.

Cat in Chengdu

Cat Flying reporting from Chengdu!

This morning left home at 5.30am to catch the CA flight at 740am. Flight was full. Lots of Singaporeans heading for the touristy "Jiu Zhai Gou". My first meal was terrible. I had salmon fish with egg fried rice and it was neither tasty and a tad too unfresh salty to my liking.

Cabin meal - Fried rice with not very fresh salmon.

Reached Chengdu Airport at about 12.30pm. I nearly lost my luggage because i couldn't recognise my new bag! And I didn't mark it with any stickers or strings and to me it looked just like any other bag. Fortunately, managed to retrieve it after most had claimed theirs.

Lunch at a Hong Kong Style "Cha Chang Ting". Had yummy roast goose and spicy oat fried egg plant. The best i have ever eaten.












We went to a restaurant in "Qing Tai Lu" for dinner. This is a touristy place where the streets are lined by old and historic building with pitched roof. Think those sword fighting movies where the heros leapt up the roof. That kind of building.

I surprised darling T with the latest pen from mont blanc starwalker series. He kept admiring it and could tell his joy all over his face! Of course lah... expensive pen for free. Who not happy? Somemore flaunted his pen in front of his colleagues! haha...

Wrap up the day with a foot massage at "Tian Yi Zheng Tang". W finally got his lemming fulfilled. Going to have a sleep tonight. I am off to Lijiang/Kunming tomorrow!

Packing Packing

Many things to pack. Very last minute. All the food stuff 1st priority. Can't get good 3 in 1 coffee in china so i ended up packing 6 big packs of coffee mix. The whole big boston bag full of food!!

Clothes in. Jeans in. Lingerie in. Nope. No sexy lingerie. Sharing the house with mother in law and how sexy can i be? No more impulse to dress up to impress T. Already old husband old wife. After being apart for nearly 3 months, I wonder how my insides will react? Happy? Exhilarated? Bleah...???

And, I have a surprise present for him! hehehe... Since he was lamenting that from courtship days till now, i have never present him something expensive.

Spookiemouse latest post had me in suspense. What shenanigans have she done this time? Must get her to update.

Counting down to holidays

Two more days and i am off to vacationing in Shangrila, China. Yet work are piling up in my office, so many report and papers to write, especially on my art project.

Called Mr B today to obstensibly seek for help but actually to hear his voice! Naughty me. But as usual, Mr B offered many many advices. I hoped he don't find me a nuisance because I have been calling up whenever i have a chance! hahaha.... *evil grin*

Sigh... no mood to pack. My luggage still almost empty.

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My previous blog attracted alot of comments especially from the guests. Oh yes. So many things happened and how could i forget to mention the video clips????

Not that Cat Flying screened uncensored "video" at home but one guest happened to have the notorius *t* video clip on his hp and showed it to the rest who have yet seen it. On top of it, there's this scuba fuck clip showing two scuba divers having a go at it under the sea. A very big feat considering both are clad in nothing except the weights and the gal had endure the fuck. There was no face mask and only a oxygen tube to her mouth. She had to control not to breathe in throw her nose and only though her mouth. No opening of eyes. The salts water sting!

Bloody hell. How she managed that is really beyond us. We could tell she was in pain. The divers in the party swear that this is a high risk stunt as if she forgot herself and breathe in throw the nose, that's the end of her.

The finale. Very funny when the guy ejaculated. Could see a zagged stream of *little swimmers* floating in the water.

A dirty party indeed. Sausages and clips..

Reading University's 80th Anniversary

Many parties last week. Blame it on the long weekend. Starting from Good Friday, I attended Reading Uni 80th anniversary, granny-in law donno how how old birthday celebration then to lastly R's 2nd recital party. Broke my records.

This blog is long over due.

Thanks to Chris, who informed us last month that this year is Reading's Uni 80th Anniversary. *tink* A good idea and excuse to party and get all the Reading mates and associates together.

What better place to have it but at Cat Flying's humble abode? Cat's mum was very kind to stay and assist the steamboat preparation. (Thanks mum!!) We had lots of yummy food. Eg. Aunty Molly Otah and Soon Kueh, courtesy of Chris, Free Flow of Red Wine by Spookiemouse & Litep, sausages, cheese chips ++++++ the rest bought so much food that all our stomachs almost exploded.

The evening was spent talking cock and was especially exciting when we exchanged ghost stories. The most horrifying and raised our neck's hair was Shaggyfish's story about her colleague who can "see" things.

Eeeeee....... All of us was totally spooked! And I was told that someone left her steamboat in the car because she was too afraid to take it out and made a mad dash home. Haha. You know who you are hor..

The Reading Gals ( Spookiemouse where are you?)

Friends posing for a shot

Dessert - Wine, sausages, cheese and Aunty Molly Otah!!!!

Gathering of Aspiring Pianists

Classmate R was very kind to invite all the pianists who performed in the school 2nd recital. Not many turned up, only half of the performers. Most of them, students of Andrew.

It was a very wet evening. Inital plan was to have the dinner outdoor, it started drizzling again after we sat down eating. So we shifted to the inner porch (and yes, R house is a landed property at the prime location of Bukit Timah)

It's really weird to sit down and watch the recital on tv especially yourself performing. That was what we did after dinner. Some idle chit chat with classmates while watching ourselves on TV exclaiming how nervous we were, blar blar..

Come to my part, I thought i played it too fast. But honestly, I was surprised that I could hardly tell i was "lost" in the middle of song. P said i looked so calm and nothing looked amiss. Hee.. teacher then clarified that he knew i was lost cos' i was secretly smiling to myself, and my song was longer than usual, said i forgot how to end. Ahaha.. The ending to me was quite perfectly executed. P (one A star student)

huh... the ending was so beautiful. Cannot tell!!

I like this P already!

Some concert clips can by seen here Play by Ear Music School

Minor Car Accident

Damn piss. While parking my car today, one mercs reverse and bang into my car. The old man refuse to compensate me! Sort of half threaten me that he will also claim his insurance. F**king mad. Somemore he is on the phone and did not stop when i honk him twice. In the end, both party suffer damage. My car and his were scratch. I demand compensation and he refused! Bloody $$%^$.

************

Monday 17 April 06.

Bought my car to dad's fren workshop. In the end decide not to claim cos' expert said its difficult to prove my case (no witness) and its at car park lot. In the end, both of us decide not to claim insurance. Too minor. Confirm my opinion that those uncles who drive mercs got no money! Can't even fork out money to pay!! Darn! Darn! @#$@%$#%^

Help from Mr B

In the course of researching for data to write for my art paper, I encountered many helpful people from the Singapore Art Scene who offered, me tremendous help and advices. One of them is Mr B, from Singapore H Museum.

Just two days ago, I emailed Mr B thanking him for all his expert advices and I have appointed the art consultant and got the funds do the the art programme. Very courteous on my part to inform him, since he was my unofficial "technical advisor" and deserve a closure.

And within minutes, Mr B replied

Sure I am sure it will be worth it

The process is just beginning.

Argh... I was very tempted to reply and complain that the process of getting the programme approved and appointing the consultant had taken 5 years of my life. My lifespan be shorten by another 10 years when i complete the project. (provided I am not taken off it mid-way)

Oh, btw I think he is very cool. Very dynamic, like a force that swept you over type. According my art consultant S, he will up and coming force to reckon with in years to come.

"A very smart boy who will go very far"

Sure he will,

I am already a fan.....

Lesson in Love

This moment, Cat Flying has a strong tendency to share some of her views and lesson in love. Especially since so many of my friends and colleagues are single.

Call me old school but I feel that women in general should take a "step" back and not take initiative in a relationship.

What i meant in "initiative" is that

1. A lady should never bare her heart and soul to the guy and let him know that she will always be there for him.
2. Always take intiative to look for opportunities to date him out
3. SMS him every now and then.
4. Sleep with him the first time he initiates
5. And NEVER pay for him. (unless he is so damn broke)

To me i find it logic. For men would seldom treasure what they have and look for greener pasteurs. Especially if the existing land is so easy to conquer and would be soon forgotten. It would be best if you can keep him on his toes, not knowing what you feel and what you might do.

It would be all very exciting if you make the guy sweat to get you. Let him chase, serenade you with flowers. fine dining, etc.. I am sure for all these and if he (god forbids), do complain,
you can throw it straight onto his face,

"because....I'm worth it"

Night of A Thousand Stars

Yesterday was my company D&D at Suntec City. The theme for the night - A Night of A Thousand Stars. In the end I really see stars because it is the first and most boring Dinner and Dance I have ever attended.

First and foremost, the compere of the night is so boring. The games we played were like so "old school". Second, the food is hardly worth drooling over. Portion was small and I ended up not so full after all. Third, my table people weren't very sporting. Thus my mood went downhill from the moment the cold dish was served.

But, the prizes were really to die for. Top prize was a 42 plasma tv. 2nd prize was a pair of SQ tickets to Sydney plus $500 voucher. Alas, cat flying's luck was beyond poor last night and end up nothing except a useless door gift. (a game set)

Lucky. I didn't spend any dime on dressing up. Thus, $13.50 for a 8 courses meal is still worth it.

I reckon i will have more fun in Chris's party last night.

Qing Ming Festival

The season to remember the dead and also appreciate the living. I was told that the actual day of Qing Ming falls on the Wednesday 5 April. All the rush to the cemetries, temples started 10 days before and after this date. Someone was telling me, its unlucky to go pay respect after this date.

Today, being the filial daughter and grand-daughter, I drove my granny, aunt and mum to the temple where my grand-dad and his ancestors ashes were kept. The temple is at Jalan Senang, somwhere located in Kembangan among those private estates. Not many people there this noon, at least the air wasn't reeking with "ashes" and "smokes" from incense and what not. Strict rules on no burning of offering thus, many had to bring back boxes and boxes of paper offerings.

We paid our respects to my grand-dad, grand-grand parents, grand aunties and two uncles who passed away during their prime. We displayed grapes, apple, oranges, vegetarian bee hoon, canned drinks, marble cake, pandan cake, some chinese style cakes on the table. Took the incense and pray for the ancestor to "come" and "eat". Meanwhile, we went to the hall where all the ashes were kept. Looked for grand-dad and the ancestors.

Mum and me helped granny wipe the photos on the ash holder, then I was a tad busy body reading what was written on it. I was reading on my grand-auntie when I realised she passed away at age 31? Gosh.. I asked my aunty E why? and she secretly whispered that my Feng grandaunt went for an abortion and died after it went wrong.

Nevertheless, this "kind" were the carried out by the illegal "doctor". Aunty E explained that during the 1960s, people were poor and she was too poor to have more kids as she had 5 already! Grand-aunt went to seek help from a Malay woman to had an illegal abortion. Aunty E added that she heard the Malay woman took a stick to "stir" the foetus to kill it! Yucks! I can't imagine the pain and the blood. Oh, Grandaunt was having twins. She died with the babies.

Aunt was describing the surgery when we were interrupted by granny. Thus no chance to hear more. Time to pack up our offering to go. Mum made me do the double "red crescent" thing where I got to pray, ask my ancestor whether they have their filled and threw it on the ground. If it show alternate sides, it means they have "eaten". Mine showed alternate meaning ok. We packed up and headed back to another temple after this.

I wonder, whether this ritual has been lost among the young people nowadays? I hardly see any younger people in the temple except people my mum's age and granny's. ( I would say abt 40-80 yrs old) Hardly see one in 20s or 30s. Does this mean that nowadays our society has come to a stage where one has no time to pay respect to their ancestor, even once every year?

No where close to target

Most of us are worried about our future. I remember in my uni days, I hoped to achieve something great by the age of 35 or 40, if not at least somewhere along that line to achieving the goal. Looking back, those were the foolish and ambitious days where the sky the limit to us.

What, If you are nearing your 40s, never achieve great things (I would say reasonable position in your organisation, not condemn) and looks like you probably wouldn't in few years to come?

Quite sad really for my colleague T who is in this bleak situation. I would say it's the perception he has portrayed that landed himself in this. Everyone who I discussed about his performance isn't optimistic. Some commented things like his english is bad, no leadership qualities, has never proven himself etc. Guess it doesn't help that he reinforces and reminds us every opportunity available that he is a " condemn" case.

Recently, I am getting abit pissed with "condemn" case remark. I know he is trying to take it lightly and laughing it off, hoping for sympathy but didn't he realise that but being so, he is actually digging his own grave to bury himself and subject to ridicule by callous colleagues behind his back?

Maybe i should direct him to litep who often has good advice for corporate leadership?

My list of corporate tips on to do and do not.

1. Always "market" your strength. You never know when a special project will land on ur lap.
2. Down play your mistakes. Try not to let others know where you went wrong.
3. Dress smartly. It will inspire confidence in others.
4. Do not whine about no promotion. It looks like you are a loser.

Sad to say, man are always more "anxious" about their job them woman. After all, the social stigma is still there for man to "achieve" rather than woman.

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Oh by the way, I got all the signatures signed for my paper in just 1 morning time. An achievement since

1. It's a difficult paper because of the high contingency amount i am proposing
2. It's not a standard paper
3. No one has that record (3 signatures, read an approved in one morning)
4. The chairman of the paper is 20km away. (I drove and bang at his office refusing to leave until he signed the paper :p)

All in 4 hours time.

Did i say my paper is 8 pages long and have 6 Annexes ?

I am a hero today!

Good News or Bad ?

Good news and bad news in office today. Not too sure whether I should celebrate or cry over it?

This morning, I was doing a mad rush for the art paper for approval. A very tedious process since art is like "you can have it or you don't". Alot of hiccups along the way (good things never run smooth huh) and today I finally wrapped it up, signed and endorsed by my department big boss.

Everything was smooth until i encountered my first question from the approving authority (AA). Why like this.. why like that? Oh oh.. Can't answer. Must double check with my senior for the "right" answer. The authority don't take people as junior as me answers as "answer". So I beat a hasty retreat, assured the AA that I will check and confirm and answer his question. (Hope that will reassure him, the next time I see him).

**********************

Back to the news. My senior broke the news that the two portfolios I am doing was taken over by another engineer. Wah... Came as quite a shock. Not that I am particularly fond of these 2 projects but then responsibilities reduce. Even though these two are considered "ECA", not my core responsibility but they are still "ECA". No more brownie points to score! (sob sob) Senior also had her fair share taken over by another guy. It's more on the "management" shift. I just happen to be the affected party.

Hopefully, my art project still retain. My Senior said she will fight hard for us to do that.

Dinner Overload

Currently slouching on my swivel chair, baring my big stomach for myself to see and trying to blog at the same time. Before this, have been trying to gobble down 4 big "tang yuans" i bought yesterday, without much success. Still have a huge one to go.

I admit. This cat is very thrifty. Most times, I will try to eat whatever left over (few days before) and try not to waste food. This stupid stunt often result in

a) Food Poisoning - See here
b) Over eating - thus indigestion
c) Getting Fat

Sigh... What to do? Must save some money to buy the Panasonic Lumix FX 9 to replace my Nikon Coolpix.

Oh.. and this evening free dinner by one super nice colleague at Soup Restaurant. Once again this cat ate up whatever was shove to her (rice amount = 2 days portion) Argh...and I still gorged down the 3 "tang yuan".

Help! My tummy is exploding!!

Another bleah Sunday

Lesson cancelled. Teacher too tired to teach after yesterday concert. Just as well. I have more free time. What should i do?? Visit in-laws!

Not that I am extremely filial and "kwai" daughter- inlaw but, then next week is my company dnd. Must make sure i pop in to wave hi and pronounce that I am still alive in this world otherwise i will be pronounce "Missing in Action".

Played mahjong to entertain them and fortunately despite my father in law winning streak, i did not lose $$. My sil and mil lost heavily. Fil treated us to Blk 85 at Bedok North for dinner. Nice dinner I had!

Was msning HB and considering changing my piano teacher. Prolly I will do it after my term end. V would be a better choice than A since i think he is having difficulty teaching me too. Well, will cross the bridge when reach it. There's still 2 more months to go.

I really love the song "The moon represent my heart". Must get teacher to teach me the intro and technie bits. I have no problems playing, but nowadays must high standard abit.

Need to impress my friends when they visit me at home! Haha.

Just told T i might go to Chengdu next year after my contract end. He better find me something to do!

The Concert

I am on adrenalin high now. The concert was a astounding success. We all had fun! All of the students played well, with hardly noticable hiccups. Me too, in fact! Everything was fine during my last min rehearsal but during the actual playing. Black Out. *faint*

Fortunately, I was able to improvise my way through making not very noticeable mistakes but I was abit disappointed that I didn't play the full version I practise hard for. At least I had my first experience on a concert grand, and yeah I think i played well under the tremendously stress.

Made alot of friends and their family members. Every one has nice things to said to encourage one another. Talk about World Peace! haha

Group picture with all the students and teachers.

Victor's (middle with long white sleeve shirt) students mainly made up of the higher graders standing on his left. One guy (2nd from left) even had a performing diploma!! My teacher, Andrew, is standing on Victor's left. His students are mostly simple players like me, Rita, Jan and Rachel

The 2nd half of players. Hillary, Rita, Me, Rachel and Justin.

*Forgive my pictures. Abit blur due to dim lighting indoors but i can't resist posting them*

Rehearsal for Wannabe Pianists

It's a wonderful day today. Everything goes very smoothly for me starting from a major block-buster presentation to my Board Directors about one interesting programme i am doing. Of course, cat didn't get to show off her presentation skills but my boss whom I am assisting.

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Rehearsal was very fun! There wer 16 pianists, some very good, some very bad. In fact, not many of my teacher's students are playing. There was one guy who had a performing diploma, so he is exceptionally good! Many of them played with alot of frills which are not really to my taste. I prefer soothing songs, lounge type and if possible, contemporary pop ballads.

I played Over the Rainbow. Hiccups at first during practise but then during the rehearsal i think i played it quite beautifully. Jan commented that it was very refreshing to hear it after so many technical trills and frilly in others. Well, I think for mere mortals, playing classic would be the right choice. Otherwise, why these ever greens like "Moon Represent My Heart", "Moon River", "Can't Help Falling in Love" remain so popular after 30-40 years?

The test will come on the actual day on Saturday. Very unfortunate that T can't attend but I will still have fun!!

Revival of my Computer!

A cat has nine lives and my computer has two!

On Sunday, I was lamenting the loss of my CPU as I couldn't get it start up. After 2 days of toggling with the plug, I finally declare this computer dead.

This morning, I consulted a computer engineer to-be (Uni student attach to my division) about the cost of a power ac supply and whether i could DIY the replacement?

Conclusion. 4 years old computer, idiot computer owner (cannot tell what is what), replacement cost = new computer.

While I was walking home 10 mins ago, the expert engineer's words of wisdom kept echoing in my mind. "sometimes it will take 24 hours for the power supply to turn on. Dell is automatic". Honestly, I don't know what he meant but obviously I must try to start it again, 48 hours later.

The result.

I am now using the trustworthy, 4 years old computer to blog again! Yeah!!
No more lugging my notebook home from now on. hehe

One Bag Poorer

Guilty Guilty me. Today in the spur of the moment, I went to the DFS and bought myself a coach bag. Not that I need another bag, but i was thinking maybe i should buy a sling bag for my holiday in Chengdu. Those that you can sling across your body and no motorcyclist can snatch it away from you.

I won't say Coach is horrendously expensive but definitely it's a stretch to my current crappy pay. It must be Spookiemouse and her coach wristlet that stir up my lemming. You know, I have zilch control over bags, clothes, makeup etc... Bad bad me...

Argh come to think about it, go to Chengdu also need money! Must think of ways to make money fast!

ohh..... before i left Coach, i spied a nice camera sling bag hanging on the rack! hehehe... (on my wish list now)

*****************

And my home computer broke down on me last night. Something just so wrong with the power supply. The CPU just wouldn't start. Test it with another electric plug and it still wouldn't work. Sigh... must get another computer AND SPEND money again....

No more skype with T! *sob sob*

Having an not so understanding mother-in-law

I was vexed by my mother-inlaw lately (mil). She of all the people I know is the most "buay zi tong" person who likes to inconvenience others and ME who is too nice to say "NO".

This friday, for the first time I stood my ground and said "NO" to her.

My mother didn't bring me up to run errands. My parents didn't even dare to suggest i run errands for them. Only occasionally, they might request, then depending on my mood. I decide I want to do it or not.

Anyway back to my mil.

*************

I have planned for a trip to chengdu to meet my darling T in April with Win. My2 weeks leave (which is so hard to apply) was approved by my boss. Coincidently, my SIL was from Chengdu and wanted to go around that time, plus i discovered there is a Natas promotion for CA flight. Which is $200 lesser than my fare of $665. Being the good samaritan, i told my sil abt the news and she wanted to go bringing Lei (2 yrs) and baby Woon. My mil wanted to follow too, to help her carry one of the kids.

Inititally, the plan was to go together but the promotion is only from 27th April onwards so they don't coincide with my leave starting on the 22April. Thus no choice, I got to ring my mil abt the bad news

Cat : Mother! The cheap air ticket only can fly from 27th April onwards

MIL : Whatever, I follow SIL

CAT : But then, you can't follow us to Lijiang already cos' you are arriving one week later

MIL : Silence.... (not so happy here)

CAT : We are in Lijiang when you arrived so you might have to stay with SIL's parents

MIL : Nevermind, SIL and we can stay in T house when you are away!

CAT : *What the hell??* You mean the kiddos and you are going to stay with T? NOOOOOOO. Cannot!

MIL : Why not?

CAT : House is too small. There is only 1 spare bedroom and there's like so many. You, SIL,

WIN, 2 kids? How to squeeze.

MIL : Then nevermind lah, the ladies stay one room with the babies and win stay with T in his room.

CAT : (F*** and still remaining my cool) How to? I don't think this arrangement will work out.

In between MIL kept convincing me it would work while I kept refuting her. Then I was shocked when she said this.

MIL : If we stayed with SIL parents, the house is old & dirty, not so good for the kids. Then the unit is at 4th storey. Got to climb. Very tiring for us. T house is cleaner.

CAT : (on the verge of blowing my top but in a gentle tone) Mother, my sil stayed there for so many years, how can you tell her, her house is not suitable for her kids? And have she told u she wanted to stay with T? cos' I believe she would want to stay with her parents.

In the end, i just told her to talk to T cos' both parties refused to see each other view point and there's just no point plain arguing.

At this point, i was really fuming. As if I wanted to go visit T and then spend the time sleeping apart? Going to Lijiang with Win sharing a room is bad enough.

*******************

Saturday morning.

My mil strike again! This time called me to run errand, to send sometime to the granny on Sunday. She has two sons, one daughter. Yet she called me? I refused to do it initally (cos i hate errands) but she was persistent and I got no choice got to agree (albeit unwillingly).

Oh btw, the granny stayed in Queenstown and I stayed in Tampines. That's the main reason why i am so unwilling.

************
BTW, T said if i can handle his mother. I would be a champion. Argh... next time going to said my car send for servicing.

DVD time!

Yipee! My Pride and Prejudice just arrived today from Amazon. Finally get my hands on the BBC version which i missed when i was in UK.

At long last. No more blogging now. Mr Darcy, pleaseee wait for me!!

One Cool Cat

Not a good day for me today. Had a high level presentation at 2.30pm and the stupid projector failed on me at 2.00pm. Very jinx. The consultants couldn't get the powerpoint onto the IBM notebook becos' it wasn't using XP. Can't read the thumb drive and theres no CD Rom reader? I wonder why the hell the admin is still using the notebook for presentation purposes? should chuck it liao lah...

While I was busy rectifying the problems, my senior could only scold and blame me for the failure. What the F****? As if i purposely spoilt the projector? How can i be held responsible if the projector fail and the stupid admin notebook can't read thumbdrive and no CD Rom reader? Anyway, some one told me later that i looked super bo chap my boss and went ahead to solve the problems. It was solved in the end but the meeting was 15 mins delayed. Whats the big deal? My director was perfectly understanding about techno hiccups.

I hate this programme! Give me alot of grieve bet my life going to shorten by 5 years when this is over. Directors can't agree among themselves what they want and my senior can't convince them.

Not in the mood to blog now. A little bit of ranting (i feel so innocent!!) but then, what the heck? I might be going to chengdu soon.

Come to think of it, i was rather cool really. While my senior is hopping around scolding me and putting the blame, I could shut her out and do the rescue remedy without being affected. I am seriously one cool cat!

The News

The news was something not quite what i expected. Something I couldn't place whether it's good or bad. It was very long really, and i was somewhat lost in the middle of it, catching only the gist.

To T, it is definitely a cause to throw a party to celebrate (in advance). To me, maybe not.

And T, is my darling husband stationed in Chengdu for the 2nd year running. 2 years right after our marriage. Reason - better career advancement. Despite the crappy allowance, he is to to my horror , enjoying his life there. Surviving very well with no friends, no family, no chicken rice , no red wine, no sex , no car, and most importantly NO WIFE!!

I got to admit, I am surviving well without him too. Though sometimes, I will whine and complain but hey.. I have an exciting life here too in Singapore. I have my piano, my spookiemouse gang, my family, his family, my job, my chicken rice. my makeup and HIS CAR and our home.

Back to the news. His boss spoke of a grand plan for future developments in China. His company is going all out for the China market and is looking to groom the 2nd tier management. Needless to say, he is one of them. So in short, his boss dangled a very big carrot, a senior position which i doubt i can achieve in my life time. The downside is, he might have to be stationed him China for the next many many years. Though that was not explicitly said, but subtle hints were dropped saying it's more effective to oversee in china rather than in Singapore. Needless to say, T will jump on the opportunity. Who wouldn't?

And now because of T, I have to face the big question.

Do I want to relocate to China? (willingly)

What News?

Just received an SMS from T from chengdu, saying he had a meeting with his boss and have news to tell me.

What news? Can't be that offer me a job to chengdu again! yucks.i don want! Just when i am enjoying my time in Changi i don't want to go change and go china. (unless absolutely necessary)

Talking to T now. Waiting anxiously for his news.

Lights Out Cat

Argh…. I am flying in the sky now. Everything looks cloudys to me. Hardly have any brain cell left to think. Need to vet papers yet the words and alphabets are jumping around, smiling at me! Gosh. This is all the fault of TTC hazelnut frappe last night. Darn ! I hate it when I couldn’t sleep. As of now, there’s no way I could engage myself in an intelligent conversation nor could do shouting matches with my colleagues. Sure lose hands down.

I slept at 4am yesterday. I shall comfort myself that at least I will do a “Lights Out Cat” when I hit the bed tonight. *Big Yawn*

I suspect Spookiemouse will laugh at me when she read this!

Mr J - Part 2

Spookiemouse dropped a bomb this afternoon. Mr J has a galfriend now! It didn't come as a shock to me as after all, Mr J has a lifestyle! The suspicion was confirmed by R who spotted him and his new young gal looking "lovey dovey" in town last week.

I told Spookiemouse that she is too good for him. Reasons, in Part 1 of Mr J, I have already written that Mr J is none too intelligent especially on the biz thingy. Apparently, his "ignorant" in the world of biz was magnified by Mel (old timer) in one of their dealings. Poor Mel had alot of patience to guide this green horn, who wants to buy and trade fake branded clothing, but has has no idea (1) type of apparels he wants, (2)whether the clothes for male or female, or kids, (3) whether it's jeans, T-shirt, dress, (4)Season (whether winter, autumn) All he knows is, "I WANT TO BUY FAKE BRANDED CLOTHINGS". oh.. did he said he want which brand? I think not.

Above is a typical example. This list could go on. Christina told me i should write something on his ability to "cow peh" ("shout" in hokkien). Honestly, Spookiemouse has the highest tolerance and patience in her. Cos' this Mr J would track her whereabouts and then "cow peh" to her, when she is out with her friends, monitoring her movements. Afraid that she is out with other men. (Spookie, is very attractive oh) Is this a sign of low self confidence? We made a discovery today, in friendster.

His network of sweet young things! I thought he is very mature. (cos he boast knowing all the big shot this and that and his network are all the rich men son's) the least I expect is the sweetie young gals. Seems like this side of him deludes Spookiemouse, until now.

Apparently, Mr J's wrote in his friendster's account

1. He watch amazing race? According to Spookie. She is the one who watch, not him.
2. He dives? Not really. Cos' he has no money to dives and the last time was soooo long ago.
3. CSI? ? I doubt he has the brains for that.

*at this point* i really can't help but laugh. JAZZ???

Was commenting to Spookie that his lifestyle seems to be a mirror of her's rather than him. Very ironic cos' apparently, spookie was told her lifestyle could not fit in ?

Dear Spookie, it's time to throw and lock way all Mr J's memories and move on.. You deserve better. (definitely someone who can afford to pay yourhis air tickets and movie tickets)

*Retraction* Cat Flying has to retract her earlier statement saying that J is a computer idiot. cos' obviously his network of 107 friends in friendster shows that he does surf, after all! :p

Feeling Sleepy

The wave of fatigue suddenly hit me. I am now floating in the cloud or blurriness. I need to sleep. Haven’t been sleeping well for the past 2 nights. Even the 2.4km run yesterday didn’t help and on the contrary worsen my insomnia. Despite tired and weary physically, my mind just refuse to shut. Got a 2 hour talk by my biggest boss later. Darn… hope I won’t drift to sleep in the comfortable auditorium.

****************
After the talk

I am feeling disappointed. Confirmed my suspicions that i won't be getting the annual payout for some performance thingy. Only those people who worked in year 04-05 will get the pay out. Feeling super low morale now.

Chance or Choice

Choice or Chance

When we meet the right person to love,
when we're at the right place at the right time,
that's a chance.

When you meet someone you're attracted to,
that's not a choice.
That's a chance.

Being caught up in a moment
(and there are a lot of couples who get together because of this)
is not a choice.
That's also a chance.

The difference is what happens afterwards.
When will you take that infatuation, that crush,
that mind-blowing attraction to the next level?
That's when all sanity goes back,
you sit down and contemplate
whether you want to make this into a concrete relationship
or just a fling.

If you decide to love a person,
even with his/her faults,
that's not a chance.
That's a choice.

When you choose to be with a person,
no matter what,
that's a choice.

Even if you know there are many people out there
who are more attractive, smarter, and richer than your mate,
and yet, you decide to love your mate just the same,
that's a choice.

Infatuation, crushes, and attraction come to us by chance.
But true love that lasts is truly a choice.
A choice that we make.

Regarding soulmates,
there's a beautiful movie quote that is so true about this:
"Fate brings you together, but it's still up to you to make it happen."

I believe that soulmates do exist,
that there is truly someone made for you.
But it's still up to you to make the choice
if you're going to do something about it or not.

We may meet our soulmates by chance,
but loving and staying with our soulmate
is still a choice we have to make.

We came to the world not by finding someone perfect to love,
BUT to learn how to love an imperfect person perfectly.

"choice or chance"

* Above extracted from Spookiemouse Blog's. Words of Wisdom from I believe (extracted somewhere) by Litep.

***********************

What a coincidence! This evening I stumbled onto a old newspaper cutting on one's soul mate. Especially dedicated to the passing of Mr Rajaretnam. There it recounted the love life of politicians who were almost inseparable with their the other half, and that their passing left a huge void in their soul.

The story of Mr and Mrs Ong Teng Cheong was especially touching. It was reported that before Mr Ong died, he insisted and played on the piano, the favourite song of Mrs Ong. Sadly, Mrs Ong died of cancer at the age of 63 and he at 66, also of cancer but i believe his grieve of his wife escalated his demise.

Unfortunately, not many in their life has found their soul mates. Especially in today's world when one change partners like baby changing nappies. Many have searched, changing and changing but, never finding one.

I am glad (at least for now) I have found mine. Have you?

Life is a bed a thorny roses

Been too lethargic to blog last week. Had no energy left after long hours in office. Did nothing but draft, vet tender documents, write papers, write reports etc.. The last thing I would want to do after work is to WRITE again.

Life as a junior staff (with a lot of experience) is never easy. First I am getting crap pay compared to others (with lesser experience), and I am assign to jobs, no one wants.

Summary of last week’s events :

1.Did not participate in Netball tournament for PS Medal. Lucky I didn’t bccos the match start at 8pm and my day ended at 830pm.

2.Almost missed my archery class. Started at 7pm to 9pm.My day ended at 840pm. So only got to shoot say 2 rounds of arrows.

3.Watch Pride and Prejudice by Keira Knightley twice. Not that I am overly fond of this version. I found the pace too fast that's why the "twice". I still prefer the BBC version by Colin Firth. (It’s on the way from Amazon.com)

4.Friday Night was totally burnt. Was in office until 9pm sitting in front of my boss looking at her while she re-wrote my papers! I was so proud of it and now it something quite different. Darn.

5.Saturday was “In-law day”. Entertained them in Mahjong and lost a few bucks because I was too engrossed watching tv.

6.Sunday. Concert looming near. Who to come to my concert??

Celebrity Face

Was reading Cozycot forum and stumbled into an interesting link on "Match your face with a celebrity" and again saw it at Shaggyfish's blog. This cat took the challenge and to my greatest delight, I look most like -

Korean Weepy SuperStar Choi Ji Woo (71% likeness) of Winter Sonata Fame

I think I should just quit my job tomorrw and join TCS instead! Hahaha...

Food along the way

Part 2 of my trip up North. Yesterday blog was the day 1 which we ate Bak Ku Teh and cheese crab near subang airport. Day 2 was the trip back home from KL. Stopped at JB for a delicious and yummy dinner.

Litep was raving about the seafood here. When we reached there, this placed was packed with many locals and singaporeans. Not my first time. I have ate here several times, along my way to a precast yard from my previous job. My favourite got to be the R$13 fried keropok (Prawn Crackers).






We had curry meat, claypot tau foo, fried oyster with egg (one of their specialty), fried sambal potato leaves, fried bean sprouts, steam fish (hong kong style)


The Finale - Pepper Crab. C love it so much that she requested for extra rice and volunteered to finish all the crab. Hard to see it nowadays on gals.

The trip up north

Over the weekend, Litep, Spookiemouse, Catflying and 2 other friends make a short trip up to Kuala Lumpur. Very short indeed, as we made a mad rush, after work on friday, and reached our destination within 4 hours from Singapore 2nd Link. We shop, Eat, club and back on Sunday evening

Thumbs up for the Volvo S60 which safety ferried us to and fro. Very silent engine and there isn't much vibration even when speed hitting say 160Km/h? (Is that the highest?) The most challenging part of the trip got to be the navigating the big giant through the tiny, narrow carpark turns in Dorsett Regency Hotel. Luckily, our Litep possess incredible driving skills and can manoeuvre that big giant when he was drunk. (90 degrees bow)

The first stop. Qbar at Westin 1. The crowd was mainly middle age man and women and lots of ang moh expatriates . We even spotted 3 or 4 chic transvestite that we hardly could tell they were "it". Darn! I got to say they are damn flexible when dancing to the bollywood song.

This bar shot was taken from the 2nd level. While i was enthusiatically about to begin my photo journey, I realised that i forgot to take my SD Card! Argh... So with the whatever inbuilt memory my camera left, I snap whatever I could.

Saturday Lunch - Bak Ku Teh KL style. Has tau pok, sea cucumber, pig's stomach, fatty pork, dried shitake mushroom, golden straw mushroom . Very yummy. Cost 20Ringgit Per person. Not cheap.

To be Legolas

This evening was my 2nd lesson in archery. Had alot of fun. Learnt how to string a bow, strike up a cool stance, suck in my gut, pull the string, aim, shoot!

I realised in order to steady the bow, one need to have good arm strength. I was already shaking when i pulled the string, take aim. The whole training took 2 hours and now my right bicep is protesting!

Not bad. This aspiring Legolas got most of her arrows within target. A good encouraging start for me. I can't wait for the next session to come!!

Where is my thumb drive?

Today i need to download some documents from the internet and print it using my office local pc. Not that there are no connection to the printer but, i want to print in colours which only link to a local pc. Thus i need a thumb drive to extract and transfer the information. The problem is, where is my thumb drive?

Of course, i wouldn't think of using a floppy disk. Not that it couldn't serve my purpose but then it's so unfashionable unspeakable to be caught with a floppy disk? ME ME??? (need to maintain image)

To my horror, i couldn't find my thumbdrive in my drawers in my bag. The coolest and smallest thumbdrive in the world by Aigo!! Shit. This is my Chinese New Year present from T and is not cheap. Aigo is my 2nd thumbdrive and needless to say I lost my very first one (which is super duper sleek and thin)I don't think i am careless and that scatterbrain enough to drop it. This cat is always extremely careful in NOT losing things! *sob sob*

Now that T heard I have lost my thumbdrive he wagered with W that I will lose my 3rd one in no time. (not that i have a 3rd one) T then suggested getting those big, bulky looking thumb drive if best looks like a water bottle so that i won't lose it! #$$#%^#$^%$ He said something like the olden days motorola handphone which we can use to whack pple) Argh......

I must start hunting for my thumbdrive tomorrow. I just don't believe i would have misplaced it. It must be somewhere waiting for me!!

Dearie Aigo.. where are you????

***************
While T is online saying that he is utterly disappointed with me and yaba yaba... I found my thumbdrive! Haha.... This cat is not a scatterbrain after all.

Cat is cockroaches nemesis

Cat is suddenly inspired to house hunt for signs of cockroaches today. Yesterday night, mum was complaining that the cupboard under my sink is full of cockroaches shit. (lucky not eggs!) *Argh* To my horror, there were lots of freaking cockroaches shits lying in my cupboard!! As my temperature was escalating over the state of my cupboard, one daring big papa cockroach dashed across my living room. Very gungho for the papa cockroach.

Wasting no seconds, Cat quickly whipped out BAYGON, chased the cockroach around the living room, spraying the life out of the poor papa.

I confess i have no fettish for cleanliness but sharing my house with cockroaches is definitely out of the question. This evening, I visited "Shop and Save" for a rid cockroaches solution.

The solution comes in the form of "Wipeout", one pack for $7.90. I placed 4 discs in strategic locations (kind of a stakeout) and lure the cockcoaches in the discs. Once eaten the delicious bait, the cockroaches will die by itself! Yipee!! Each disc last 3 months.



So cockroaches, be good, eat your fill and say good riddance bye!! *cat waving farewell!*

I am Fine. Thank You!

I received numerous concern over my stomach flu. I am fine now. Thank you.

As of this morning, no more diarrhea, no more vomitting. Even my stools no longer green in colour. I still feel weak though. Maybe it's the lack of food and meat. I have been trying to eat like a bird so not to put more pressure to my digestive system.

I really crave for Mackies and my favourite Chicken Rice. I am so tired and bored with the Bee Hoon soup. Can't fill my tummy and totally tasteless. Bleah...

I still have a chao sau bao freshly steamed. Can i eat? (i just downed one lian rong bao) So hungry!!!

Ain't getting better

1 day later I ain't getting better. Doctor cheated me! Said that the jab will give me a speedy recovery. As of last night 130am, I still went to the toilet 2 times and vomited 3 times. This morning, I was still hugging the toilet bowl puking my heart out.

Should i call the doctor and asked him what is wrong? Even my stool is green in colour! *yeek*

I am feeling very hungry! But dare not eat cos' scared will puke again. *sob*

It's Gastroenteritis

Just came back from visiting the doctor. After poking my tummy here and there, Doc declared Gastroenteritis. Layman terms, Stomach flu.

Almost everyone has had, or will have, what most of us refer to as stomach flu. The technical term for this is "gastroenteritis", which means irritation of the stomach and the intestines. Although it often goes away by itself in a couple of days (thus the term "24-hour flu"), it sometimes lasts longer -- and having it is a miserable experience for everyone concerned. The symptoms can vary depending on the cause of the illness, but the "classic" signs of stomach flu are a combination of diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Vomiting and fever may or may not occur, but diarrhea is almost always part of the picture

What causes gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis can be caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections. Viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious and is responsible for the majority of outbreaks in developed countries.

Cmmon routes of infection include: Food (especially seafood), Contaminated water, Contact with an infected person, Unwashed hands, Dirty utensils

Suspect the spaghetti i ate last night. I refrigerated the sauce for few days and then ate it with fresh pasta. The sauce must be the culprit! (sorry mum, not you!)

Doc enthusiatically suggesed giving me a jab to recover faster, and my jaw immediately dropped. NO way! I hate needles! But the choice was simply and unmercifully put in front of me (a)hug the toilet bowl (b) Jab. I chose the latter. Ouch!

So many medicines to eat. Almost vomit out the medicines. This month i not a good month. Already seen the doctor 3 times and incurred a huge bomb on medical bills! I missed my H!! No one cooking for me...

Down by a bottle of Bird Nest

Not very good today. Suppose to be in Holiday Inn attending a Financial Course by CPG Consultants and i am now stuck at home, gripping the poor toilet bowl, inseparable.

Yes. I have gotten a bad gastric flu (vomit plus diarrhea). Thanks to mum who gave me a bottle of bird nest from I donno where (it was 6am) i think and i didn't even get to see what is that. I just gobbled it down and went to sleep. Alas. When the alarm clock hit 730am. I was really feeling unwell, very unwell. Starting from 730am, I have at least visited 5 - 6 times the toilet for diarrhea and from 830am, started to hug the toilet bowl vomitting out all the breakfast i have eaten and whatever remains in my digestive system. Yucks!

I feel really miserable now. It has been along while since I am down with a bad bout of gastric flu.

Got to visit Deary Doc Koh later. Argh.. my course!!!

Amateur dabble in Photography!

I was under the weather yesterday from standing too long hours under the sun watching the flying display in Asian Aerospace. The weather was horrid. Scotching hot sun at 12.30pm and the whole thing last almost 1 hour or more.

When i reached AA, the queue for guest registration was amazingly long at 11am. To think that yesterday was like the first day for delegates and visitors. Can't Imagine when open to the public *faint* I have been told one client queued for 3 hours just to get in. Lucky i got my pass ready! Phew...

As advised by Mr Sanguine, I started to take many pictures of those stationary aircrafts parked beside the exhibition hall. Unfortunately, the sun was really shining bright and was too glaring at noon time not really suitable for shot. I ended up just anyhow snapping whatever I saw.

AH-64 D Apache Longbow

Currently servicing Singapore Air Force.

Length of 58.17ft, height of 13.30 ft, wingspan of 17.15 ft, weighs 9525 kg

PC IV-F16 Fighter Aircraft ( Speed of 1500MPH)

Strike Eagle - Servicing US Air Force. Have speed of Mach 2.5+

Accidentally capturing one bald man and almost bald man infront of the strike eagle.
(But i like the angle here)

Super Hornet - Servicing US Navy
(shape really reminds me of the the hornet)

I have no luck in capturing the A380 dancing in the sky. Not with my Nikon Coolpix for snap easy shots. I saw many photographers taking this huge huge len and i gave up trying. No way to capture the A380 from the ground.

However, this is the first time seeing A380 in the sky. My first close encounter with this gigantic flying "sausage" was last year Nov when it arrived from Toulouse. I shall enclose two shots from last year since i didn't have good pics from AA.

A380 Docking at Terminal 2 - 11 Nov 2005. First time in Changi.



Our proud National Carrier being the first to fly A380!

Some Facts on A380
Seats capacity = 555 (Boeing 747 is 416)
Length = 72.7m
Windspan = 79.7m (Boeing 747 is 64.5m)
Height = 24.1m

Disclaimer * A380 shots not taken by Cat Flying

Short Hair Me Me

Had a haircut yesterday and suddenly turned 10 years younger. One can never underestimate the power of short hair. Somehow, short hair makes me looks feels like I am a teenager all over again.

However not everyone can stomach a choppy short hair cut. Today, I received numerous comments saying

1. "Its too short"
2. "I prefer your old hair"
3. "Your hair messy leh"
4. "You look like tweety bird"

Sigh. My stylist Kelvin would grieve if he hear all these comments. My new hair is suppose to be messy lah. Need to maintain with lots of wax and hair spray. Only those with some fashion sense will appreciate. Cannot trust the taste of boring engineers.

Today, I received my free pass to the Asian Aerospace 2006! YEAH!!! Tomorrow got to sneak out of office... Hehe.

Very Cool Ad

Just thought of one cool ad Saresha has posted in her blog on Dulux "Ghost". Like she, I find it one of the most brilliant and coolest ad i ever seen. Don't think we will have the opportunity to see it here in Singapore shores. Here it goes, I nearly got an heart attack!

Click Here

New Hobby!!

Being so bored the last two days, this cat has found a new hobby.

I have adopted a virtual pet "yummy fish" at the right hand side of my blog. Please friends, feed her when you read my blog.
The fish feed can is at the left hand side of the fish tank.

I am waiting for it to grow so that i could...... hehehehe.....

From = Hungry cat mama...

Still bored

What a way to start a saturday. I slept till 12.30pm and the first thing i did was to accidentally swept my alarm clock onto the floor! *shit*

And at 2.30pm, I am still bored and feeling lonely. Even reading up frens blog didn't help one bit. No one msn me as well... argh. All my friends must be happily getting on with their life, dating, dating and dating!!

At this point, how i wish i am single Then at least i have a legitimate reason to date and up to some mischiefs. hahaha... (Thanks god, china block all the access to blogspot and T can't read my blog or he sure kill me! :p )

What is Spookiemouse doing? See her online yet she is not msning me. Maybe busy packing her stuff for moving. Was complaining to her for not updating her blog. I am her big fan you know...

Sigh..I better start vaccuming my floor and practise my piano...Argh.. so sian...

So Sian

Came home earlier than usual today at 7pm and have nothing to do. So sian. Even playing and practising the piano didn't help abit. I just tinkled the ivories for half and hour and start to mop around the house, looking for things to do.

That's what i hate on friday. Lonely with nothing to do. Now got to wait patiently for T to come online.

Sigh.... I hate lonely fridays!

I was misdiagnose!

I can't believe it. My gynae told me that her preliminary diagnosis during my operation last october was wrong! The revised report came up and said i was not suffering from one. Phew!
Actually KK is abit cock up. I went for the first review and the laboratory missed testing my sample, thus the revised report.

I had a laparascopy to remove a 5.5cm dermoid. My doctor was very meticulous during the operation. She removed adhesions from my previous op and found another evil endometriotic cyst hiding behind the dermoid. I was very shocked! I had 3 ultrasounds, saw 3 gynaes and yet no one knew. How scary!!

Then came this - after my operation, my doc diagnosed that i have endometriosis! My heart sank the moment I heard it. I know what endometriosis is. It is practically uncurable and just have to live with it. Endo also greatly reduced the chance of pregnancy. Not that me and hubby was eagerly planning for one but somehow, I felt incomplete!

Doc advised me to go for the hormones shots which will stop the menses for 6 months. Fortunately, this cat have read up alot on endometrosis because of Saresha (thank you) These shots will stop all the menstration cycles and like fake menopause. Patient will then experience all the symptoms of a menopause, like mood swings, hot flashes, loss of bone mass etc. These shots are very expensive. They cost about $200-$500 per month and one need to go for 6 months to complete the course.

I was in dilemma then, cos the cost of the first 3 months jab is covered by my insurance. Should i opt later after i discharge, I will no longer be subsidised. After much discussion with hubby, I decided against it. Money should not be the deciding factor and I have read up enough to know that the jab is just a try try method. Not 100% guarantee.

Lucky i didn't go for the jab. If not, it's all for nothing!! Not to mention the side effects!

So today, I am $200 poorer but healthier happier!!

One thing to rant - Medical bill is so expensive! The ultrasound scan price is too costly at $118. I was paying like $50 in private clinics. KK charges 2 times more!! Argh.... heart pain.

Roses for Valentine

Yipee! I received roses today! My favourite Champagne colour. Send all the way from China from my dearest hubby. Was really surprised when my clerk called me out to collect the flowers. Hehe. I was the only one who received flowers today in office. Sort of broke the office zero record.

A dozen of rose on Valentine

Complete the night with a dinner rendezvous with Spookiemouse and Christina at East Coast Park Food Centre and we ended early at 10.pm.

What I want in my life?

Today and especially today, I start to ponder and wonder, What i want in my life?

Yesterday afternoon, today afternoon and this evening my colleagues and I were drawn into some idle chit chat about ambitions, wife, husband, men, women all this boring talk. As I talked about my ideals, dreams, visions and goals I realise I have digressed a long way from my ambitious , university days.

My expectations and ideals have dropped tremendously over the years. In university, I wanted to do a master or a Phd even! After graduation, I landed good jobs in MNCs drawing pay higher than my peers during the economic crisis. However, good times never last and the industry I am in has taken a worse for many years now and yet to recover. Jobs in the private companies were scarce and tough, 1 men have to juggle 3 men job with peanut pay. Some friend I knew have their pay cut by 20-30% and 13 month bonus is a good-send! It's really a sunset industry where our pay is inversely proportion against our experience. No more ideals. Just give me a job!

Me, myself took a paycut to enter my current company. By then, I realised i no longer have big ideals like before. Now, I just want to lead a simple and easy life. period. No need to have to cheong. Just every year increment, bonuses. I will be satisfied. Actually i could have quit and hang my degree in the kitchen. BUT. Is this what i really want?

A woman dreams and ideals will change after she marry and have kids. Look at Shaggyfish. She just posted in her blog that she wants to hang her degree in the kitchen to look after her baby! Is every woman's place beside the cradle?

Saresha would have said NO. She told me its important to give myself an opportunity to excel and not be bitter at the end. Yes, I agree with her. What if your hubby dump you for another woman and you have no skills and money to rely on? Who will pity you??

Also, I must salute her for having the energy and determination to keep on going. Improving herself and never give up. We have lofty ideals and goals in the university and seems like she herself is closing on hers and, where am i now??

Married with no goals and ideals. Argh......

The Flu

Last night, I invited my office colleagues to my home for CNY gathering. To my surprise, the turnout was overwhelming. I would say those who i don't expect to come, turn up. There was like 10 people excluding me, squeezing into my humble abode.

We were making so much noise till 3.am that i had to seal ourselves up (turn on air-con, windows shut) before my security and neighbours started knocking on my door. Bad moves. Half of the gang were down with the flu bug, and I even share my bed with another gal colleague who overnight at my place. She was having a bad bout of flu and we were sleeping air-con!! Argh... . I am sure come Monday morning, more people will be down by the flu bug.. All thanks to me for sealing them in with the sick! hahaha.

So this afternoon when shopping with Saresha, my nose was running like crazy and my head throbbing abit. Killed all my mood for shopping and the tube top i was wearing doesn't help any bit. (v cold) We called it a day early and went home. Luckily, each of us bought a limited edition of MAC kabubi brush #182 at DFS Scotts. Not a wasted trip!

I have eaten 2 doses of chlorpheniramine since. Hope I will get better for my piano class tomorrow... Die! I haven't really practise! Jialat.. must act pitiful again.

Oh btw, hope spookiemouse is enjoying her diving trip. she sms me yesterday morning ranting that she missed her flight out to phuket! And Christina just msn me and told me i can't quit on monday cos' we am not one of the lucky toto winners for the ang bao draw! *KNN*!!!

CNY dinner with Friends

Tonight the queue at East Coast Jumbo Seafood was terrible. B and Lacy cat were queuing since 7.30pm. I was already running late and B already shouting at me over the phone. Carparking was horrible. Everywhere I drove, no lots!! Argh....and then I spotted one stupid mercedes who hog 2 lots! *KNN* big car big shot huh? Carparking coupon you also never pay double!

In the end, I went to the furthest exit, saw some white lines which looks very dodgy but somehow like parking lots.. Quickly i do some calculations. The lines were just infront of the carpark entrance, quite dangerous, cos' some cuckoo driver who can't drive properly will accidentally scratch your car! Heck lah.. late liao so must park. So i just bravely drove and parked. Few saw me parking and follow suit. Suddenly, this cat hero discovered parkings lots for those lucky drivers behind me!

Cat Flying, Spookiemouse, Lacy cat and friends at the CNY dinner.

Lacy entertained us with her tales once again. We were discussing about parking charges in office and driving to work etc.. when we told us that she don't drive everyday (despite having her own car). Reason - the moring sun will get her a tan.

Cat : My office car park damn expensive. What about yours?

Lacy : My office morning need to pay $1.10per hour after 5pm its $1.60 per entry

Spookie : Last time govnment officers parking free. Now must pay.

Lacy : My office is $80 per month.

Cat : Cheap leh.

Lacy : But then i don't drive everyday leh.

Cat : Huh, Why?

Lacy : Cos, WhenI drive towards the east, the sun very strong. Wait i get tanned. So i don want to drive everyday. Then somedays my father drive me, I will take the newspaper and cover the windscreen.

The rest of us : ........................

Then again... this is something Lacy will do! and while we were walking towards our cars , Lacy told us she went jogging before meeting us in East Coast. Wearing a blue colour raincoat. (Raining mah...) *faint*

To Chengdu or Not?

Never in my wildest dreams, I ever thought I will ever become a housewife. Not when I have a good degree, and not when I am young with no kids. This topic has been joked about in uni days, and i remembered my comment, "Wah..must hang my degree in the kitchen, should i become one".

And one, I might become. This idea has been in my mind for the past few days, especially since i send hubby off on monday. It's another year of living apart AGAIN. No one to do grocery shopping with, no one to watch movie with, no one to share household chores (argh....) and most importantly, no one to hear my disgruntled complaints from a hard day of work.

The worst part is, friends and relatives will volunteer their horror stories of who they heard went astray in china, never sparing a thought of how i would feel. F***. Fortunatetly, i have alot of trust in my H and so far survived our one year apart.

Not that i am unwilling to relocate, but i am few months into my new job and it's a rather interesting position, in a very comfortable environment, drawing a decent pay and good bonus. What to do if i go over? I tried spending 2 weeks there and had nothing to do except watch tv , shopping, tv, shopping and tv. I think my brain will turn to mashmallow by the time i come home for good.

Ar..considering my current job no point to give up if H is coming back end of the year. However that was what i thought last year, now he is extending his contract for another year, and another year could be another and another before we realised that someone ought to make a decision to go or to come back.

Tough decision.. but one that I have to make sooner or later. Big sigh..

Eyes on Fire

Today, I woke up with terrible terrible dry eyes. Even worse than my post lasik days. My eyes felt gritty and scratchy as if sand gotten into it. Very painful at the edge. Eyes can't even open properly.

Doctor's advice : To stop using the comp for more than 10 hours and take more frequent eye rest in between. So this cat shall be a good gal and not blog for one week. (or until my eyes recover)

Tata....

My Personality Profile

Oh my god! This is really me!

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have high extroversion. You are outgoing and engaging, with both strangers and friends. You truly enjoy being with people and bring energy into any situation. Enthusiastic and fun, you're the first to say "let's go!" Conscientiousness: You have high conscientiousness. Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life. Most things in your life are organized and planned well. But you borderline on being a total perfectionist. Agreeableness: You have high agreeableness. You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly. Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone. You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is medium. You are generally broad minded when it come to new things. But if something crosses a moral line, there's no way you'll approve of it. You are suspicious of anything too wacky, though you do still consider creativity a virtue.

The Five Factor Personality Test

The notorious Mr J - Part 1

This blog is long overdue. I promised Spookiemouse that i will write a blog dedicated to the notorous Mr J. That sorry son of the B**** that my dear friend has the misfortune to date.

To summarise, Mr J is a young chap (27-30 years), very tall, grew rather fat lately, ego as big as elephant, MCP, family has some money, almost illiterate in my opinion (didn't even finish seconday) and, is an aspiring business man.

Mr J's started a trading company couples o f years ago piggyriding his uncle's company. (Uncle gave him a small space in his building) . He is the first amazing man i know who can run a business without bringing any deals in two years. Fortunately, Mr J's uncle is very forgiving and allows him to continue despite the ZERO income. Very often I heard him flying to indonesia, hong kong, Kuala Lumpur to entertain clients but somehow, all these never materialise into any business contract. (What is wrong here??) This cat has always wondered, how good a business man Mr J would be, given that he did not even finish secondary school. In the business world, it is a dog eat dog world. Nowadays we are not at our ah gong ah ma era where we can amass a fortune by selling provisions. Nay.. now is a knowledge base economy.

Mr J, you should go and get yourself an O'Level Cert and maybe, if your luck is very good, land yourself the very FIRST deal.

I have no problems with people who has little education, in fact i find most of them hardworking and humble and to be admired for their determination to succeed! But No...... our Mr J's ego is very BIG (in capital letters). He is neither smart and yet look down on people! Spookiemouse regaled us with his hilarious car chasing incident - one guy high beamed him from behind and pissed our Mr J off! Angered by this, Mr J tail-gated him and raced him all the way from Lower Delta to Corporation Road and both stopped at a slip road to confront each other. Mr J told the other guy off "Drive small car don fight with big car.. No money to buy big car, then don't drive loh.." . Well, Mr J win lah. cos' then he was driving his dad mercs. Mr J now owns a Honda MPV (paid by father)

Mr J leads a "high life", always telling us he knows who and who sons, and who and who are his uncles etc etc... One of Mr J's big No No is that he refused to travel by budget. Despite having no money, need parents to chip in here and there, girlfriend maybe helped a little, He wants to fly by Singapore Airlines sister company, Silkair. Got to salute to SQ marketing dept! Obviously their branding and marketing works. People no money also want to fly by silkair and insist no budget airlines. I would say Mr J is very smart. Insisted that he would pay for the tixs but later credit card sign by girlfriend. So at the end of the day, he buys she pays.

When come to the money part, the supposedly rich son is beyond my description. Want to buy a O2 handheld handphone pda but no money. Got to borrow and pay by instalments. Please lah Mr J, you can use Nokia mah. Nowadays sign contract they give you free handphone. Why need to borrow??

Oh... alot of things to write but i am lacking of inspiration now. Also need to attend my director's new year gathering. Got to run now. Will continue later when the mood strikes again.

One thing i am sure, Mr J won't be reading this because he doesn't even know how to to download files from internet, not to mention blogging!.. . Hehehe. ( I suspect he only know how to msn)

Sau-eh will love me for this! (Sorry Taueh...if it bothers you let me know) i will edit it. :p

The Fat Cat!

Date : 3 February 06
Weight : 47 kg++
Waist : 27 +++
Height : 1.56-1.63 (depending morning or at night)
Face : Many pimples
Mood : V bad.

THis afternoon I had Chinese Fatt Choy Lunch with my colleagues and cum farewell for one nice guy who is leaving for a better future. We had Yu sheng as the starter and one stupid guy threw the yu shen all over the table (and almost all over my hand cos i was sitting right beside him!) in the midst of achieving "Greater heights" . What i don't understand is, we the engineers surely could do it in a scientic way, calculate what is the maximum height we can go without splattering all around the table. But No....no one thought of doing that and in the end, we have to take pains to drop the yu sheng at 1ft above the table height and making sure they land neatly within the plate. (which is almost impossible because i got my hand as evidence)

My pimples are getting out of hand. I hate looking at the mirror now. *Sob sob* Never (IIRC) in my life i have a breakout like this. Not because of Chinese New Year foodie. At least i will feel gratified if i gobbled alot of bak kwa, pineapple tarts and all the heaty food. NOoooooo... this flying cat was as goody as usual and declined all these food. Why why why...... ????

Hee.... got to admit that i drank at least my 1 year supply of coke and soft drinks and ate too much food. If only i know... "No, thank you. My pants very tight now!". Needless to say, all the calories immediately morph into hideous fats and currently happily residing in my bums and upper thigh. *KNN* Now my new OP shorts was tad too tight for comfort! Arghh......

Oh.. I just saw myself in the picture. I think i need to seriously start on a diet program! So fat.. got double chin already!!