Home Alone

When night falls, all of us will pack our bags, drag our weary body and be on the way home.

Home - A place which gives u security and happiness. Place where you can be with your love ones, where u will missed ur love ones when they are not around. Home, a place where every nook and corner of the house bring back memories.

After a tired day from work, i missed T. Missed my mum and my family. Mum used to come over for the weekend to help alleviate my loneliness, yet sometimes I would take the opportunity to throw tantrums, and complaint that she watched too much TV. I am a bad bad daughter!

The 1 hr 1/2 piano pounding helps a little. At least it lets me forget that i am alone and there's music to accompany me. Somehow, my home looks terribly cold tonight. Lacking the breath of life, lacking the human "aura".

Maybe Spookiemouse might think its a good idea to stay alone. But i would give an arm to have my family with me right now.

Argh....I feeling moody.

My Siang Siang

One of the things i like in life is sunning my pillows. My personal pillow has followed me since young, bearing the stain of my happiness, sorrow and needless to say, my sa**v*!

I simply love the scent of sun on the pillow, remind me of fresh mellow, of happiness, of bright light! A sniff of it will bring me to cloud nine and assure me of the sweet dreams to come. Having my "siang siang" is one enjoyment i missed when i was in UK.

Any slightest chance i have , i would bring my siang siang out to sun. Saturday, Sunday, Public Holiday.

This morning I did something foolish. I left my siang siang out in the open hoping to catch some sun. This is something i never done before, some risk on my part but hey.. the weather so hot these few days, better get some "food" for my SS.

While walking home this evening, I noticed the wet puddles of water on the pavement! auntie at the chi char store told me :

"Rain? Yes. Quite heavy oh, for a short while this afternoon"

Sad enough, when i reached home, i saw my half drown siang siang dangling on my window parapet!

All my fault!!!! ARgh................My pillow!!!!

There goes my sweet dreams!

Techno Idiot has a new notebook

This morning, I was one of those kiasu people cramming the PC show at Suntec.

Not because i wanted anything badly to brave the terrible human traffic, no parking lots and the sticky hot weather, but T wanted to get a Palm TX!! and a new notebook for me! Very wasteful because Cat has a fujitsu lifestyle notebook (office) and the dell at home is working albeit alittle slow. Very wasteful.

But since T is going to pay most of it, who am i to say no ? So after 4 hours of browsing in the PC show, I got a brand new Compaq Pesario. Don't ask me what model. I also no idea. I just know that its' 1 G ram, 60G memory, 1.8mhz, Pentium Centrino, DVD RW. Freebies i got 1g SD Card, 1 headphone with mic, the rest standard. Damage was 1.5k. $15 dollars extra for visa charge.

Meanwhile, i also got his palm tx and a linksys wireless router which is causing me alot of grieve from 830 pm till now. I couldn't figure out how to set the password.

First, i thought the package didn't come with the CD rom, so i tried to set up myself. Then realise any tom, dick harry can log into my router cos theres no password. Alot of cursing and swearing later, i managed to discover my installation pack. So i tried to set up again, with password and all.

Then... I can't log into my secured network ! #$#^%$^

HELP....!!!!!

Big Event at Work

This morning, my entire office was bustling with activities. From as early as 8am, most of us were already in our position for the T3 Topping Up Ceremony.


Unlike Budget Terminal, no expense were spared for this event. After all, T3 is going to be the flagship terminal when it opens up in year 2008. Coincidently, this is the last event for ex Minister for Transport, Mr Yeo Cheow Tong. Ex because in the afternoon, he will passing the portfolio to Mr Raymond Lim.

Sunflowers decorated the event hall, stage and the entrance. It was a burst of yellowness every where! (plus Cat wore a yellow shirt, so blend in with the flowers! ) My only complain was its too hot. Despite many portable coolers, the temperature hovered at about i think 28 degrees. With so many spot lights shining, nearly impossible to cool the event are to 24 degrees! *sweat*

Cat Flying was tasked the reception in-charge. All our guests were given a piece of T3 roof to go home with! Ha... at this point you might be puzzled, how to carry the roof home?

Make a guess!

Staying Alone

Staying alone could be quite fun at first. You can have parties, do late nights, wear whatever I fancy without anyone nagging.

After one year and five months of staying alone, I can say its no longer fun.

Reasons :

1. Becoming a hermit. Lazy to interact with friends
2. Changing bulb is no fun
3. Cleaning the house is worse
4. Cooking for one person is almost impossible. (unless u count instant noodle as "cooking"
5. I hate to investigate why the door bell is not working
6. The new year decor is still hanging there. No one is taking it down
7. The house is too quiet sometimes

Sometimes i just wish that T is home with me. At least there's someone who won't fail to nag at me!!

Chanting - Less

I did not go for the chanting after all. Spent the morning lazing in bed as the weather was awfully good for such an activity.

Going for piano class now. Alot to update later.

Go Chanting? No Thank you.

Yesterday my mother in law called me up.

MIL : Are you free this sunday?
Cat : Hmmm (alarm) why?
MIL : We are going to the temple to pray and chant for ah ma. Time is about 11-12.30 pm Can you come?
Cat : No.
MIL : Why?
Cat : My mother coming to stay over the weekend, got to send her to temple also.
Mil : Ohh...

I have all along been a rebellious daughter. My parents could hardly force or nag me to do anything that i dislike. Even if i feel oblige to do it, I will make a ruckus first to voice my displeasure.

Don't talk about going to temple to pray for my husband's granny. I hardly even go to pray to my own grandparents. However, after saying no. I felt alittle guilty. Like i have done something wrong. I msg T to ask for his comment and he replied "You go and represent me loh".

Bloody Hell! I am already pissed with T for leaving me to clear all the shit in Singapore and he happily working in China. Who is taking care of the house, the car, his parents, my parents, his bills? Me!!!

I asked around for opinions during lunch time, and by the time i finished counting the strikes against my in laws I realised that my not going is justified after all. I told my mum about it when she is here over the weekend.

Mum, of course scolded me. Said she never missed any of this thing when my grandparents were around. Haha... I told her times are different now. And why should i go when tim hardly even goes to my own grandparents praying ceremony?

You see... all is fair. And I made excuse not to go for dinner too tonight. I told mum that she didn't even report to my granny every once a week. Now T is not around, I should lessen the trip!!

In law woes... Better off not married.

Cancer - A lifestyle disease?

My first encounter with cancer is at the age of 8, when my brother had a malignant growth removed from his neck.

I came to know more of cancer when dating T. From the marathon chats over the phone, I learnt that his aunt died of womb cancer, and cancer has 4 stages. Early detection of cancer increase the chance of survival. But, if the cancer is at the 4th stage then, it's "sorry, no cure".

Yesterday night, T told me his GM was diagnosed 3rd stage of colon cancer. The second victim so far. The first was his director Mr Y who had nose cancer late last year. Mr GM had to return to Singapore for treatment. Could it be a sheer coincidence that both the highest managment in Chengdu caught the cancer bug in less than 1 year apart? Could it be stress induce?

Now everyone in the office is afraid of covering the post of the senior management. It seems that the positions are jinx! and some are blaming on bad fengshui. Mr Sky was told to cover the GM duties while his away and he called Mr Y in Singapore to refuse/protest, citing reason that he doesn't want to die early! Haha.

The cancer scare caused alot of alarm in the office and suddenly, everybody is suspecting themselves having cancer. The most hilarious incident is again from Mr Sky (has piles) told T he suspects he might also get the cancer! After this, many staff are scrambling to get their medical checkup.

Even Cat Flying in Singapore is not spared by the news. Just today, there's some blood in my stools. Not a good sign cos' it is a symptom of colecteral cancer. I better monitor my bowels and see the doc if necessary.

I googled Colon cancer for more information and this this what i found out -

It was discovered that most colon cancer patients usually consume diets lower in fiber and high in animal protein, fat, and refined sugars. To reduce the chance of getting colon cancer, eat more fiber such as fruits, vegetables and reduce the intake of fatty meat and animal protein.

Better ask T to come back end of the year. Cancer is really frightening!

To T - Don't forget your ah ma also got colon cancer huh! so you are in the high risk category!

Housewife-Doom

Last night, I "fly kite" my colleagues. Suppose to go for a dinner then followed by clubbing. A farewell bash to C whose last day is on coming Monday. In the end, the night was spent snuggling in the bed watching DVD till wee hours in the morning 4.00am.

Amazingly I woke up at 7.30am this moring without the alarm ringing, considering the fact that I slept late.

Currently grilling one of my cat friend on his ONS thru msn. Will post updates of the affair later! haha.. why are all my friend leading exciting lives while i am alone at home watching soapy drama... Darn. I think sooner or later, i am going to be confirm - chop stamp - housewife-doom.

Another down

Just when we threw a farewell bash for C on wednesday, I received news that J had succumbed to the resignation bug.

Not a surprise. I have been expecting him to throw in the white towel. So many push factors and hardly any pull factor.

Got to dig in my pocket for more farewell parties. Argh...

My fair Gentleman

My latest project. To become Dr Higgins and transform a male version of Eliza Doolittle in an ala My Fair Lady style.

I am faced with a challenge. Mr A according to my survey in office top the chart for being un-charming. To make matter worse, even the male colleagues admit that A is rather ummph.. ungentleman. Catflying must come up with training list. A Charming list.

A charming man should be :

1. Witty and humourous (able to make a gal laugh)
2. Sweet tongue (Able to sweet talk )
3. Generous (meaning not stingy and calculative)
4. Good Looking
5. Charismatic
6. Knowledgable and well read

Anymore suggestions?

Why marry?

Yesterday while my stylist K was dyeing my hair, he asked me a very challenging question. An easy yet diffificult to answer..

K : How long have you been married ?
Cat : Almost 4 years
K : Why do you get married?
Cat : Umm...(Thinking hard)
K : Why do you want to marry if you don't want to start a family immediately. I thought marrying is for kids. Otherwise might as well remain single. Easier this way.

My reaction was : Hey. He is right! Why in the right mind did i get married? Is it because of the house? Otherwise, might as well stay single and date cos' there's nothing to look forward for. And probably, if T goes to Chengdu. I can bloody hell start dating other guys!!

Well. Maybe watching too many trashy and weepy korean dramas are making me go daft.

***********

And i msn T about it.

Cat : Yesterday my my stylist ask me why i got married?
T : What you say?
Cat : House loh
T : Wow. I very disappointed.
Cat : Like so long liao. Cannot say because of the big diamond right?
Cat : Maybe it's a natural progression.
T : marriage is the indication that two person wan to spend their life together
Cat : what about love?
T : Love has nothing to do with marriage. But marriage must be initiated by love
T : It is a pity that nowaday couple stop loving each other after marriage
Cat : So you love me or not?
T : Of course!

At least tonight I can sleep in peace and be reminded why I got married. Haha.

Latest Hobby

My latest hobby has everything to do with TV!

Since my trip back to chengdu, I have bought many korean serials. So thus like a typical "auntie", Cat Flying was glued to the TV since Friday night. Watching one drama one after another. Averaging of one set per day.

Ouchie. My eyes really hurts and it started to water after midnight. What to do? I am a big sucker for trashy romance and would not sleep until i hit the last episode.

Just wonder, why the hero can sacrifice their million dollars inheritance for the lady they love?

And

Why T can leave me behind yet professing that he loves me?

This equation doesn't tally.

Lijiang Part II

We stayed in "Mu Fu Inn" in the old town. It was converted from "Shi He Yuan" 四和院. The facilities was bleah... Our room was not well lit, compared to W. The timber floor were cold and hard. Creaking and protesting if i stomped too hard. No bath tub and no shower screen. On the first night, I was told no water after 8pm! Argh...



Our inn was next to Mu Fu 木府. House of the local leader or Tu Shi 土司. For 500 years, the Mus ruled the town. The old town was the only old city build without a city wall. It was explained that the surname of the leader, 木 (Mu) add a wall outside become 困 (Kun or meaning trap) The Mus deemed it as inauspicious as it meant his family and descendant be trapped. Thus, the old town was never given a city wall.



Weeping willows are planted along the streets. A common sight every where. Summer is a good season to visit as the weather is just about 15-18 degrees. There's cool breeze blowing from the Snow mountain, and the lovely sunlight. Sun-block is mandatory as Lijiang is about 2000 over metres above sea. The rays could be very harmful.







Gifts shops lining up the streets is a common sight. The old town's economy is tourism based. Lijiang is well known for its silver-wares and handicraft. Accessories shop can be easily found along the streets. It was such a fun time for Cat Flying, looking out for good buys and bargaining with the store owners. Shopping always make my day!








Cat Flying and Hubby T checking out the accessories in one of the shop. (While holding on to my RMB 1 ice cream!)













The ladies of the local tribe enjoying a dance in the Square Street. (Shifangjie)











Shifangjie is at the heart of the Old Town. From here it extended to four main streets of different directions and further expanded to smaller lanes which connect to every corner of the town. Think it like a "ba gua". Where all streets connect to the centre. Honestly, if you are first time here, you will be confused!

Ancient City - Lijiang

Lijiang. An ancient city in the north west of Yunan with over 800 years of history. Home to many enthic groups such as Naxi, Bai, Tibetan, Yi, Miao etc. Weather is beautiful all year round averaging from 9 to 12 degrees. Lijiang is mostly populated by the Naxi people.

Lijiang also known as the Venice of Asia is situated at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yu Long Xue Shan). Cool crystal clear water flows through the town at the back and front of houses with stone bridges build across the little streams. Willow trees and flowers are planted along these streams and, the floors we walked upon were the very ink slabs that dated all the way back to Song /Yuan Dynasty.


A typical morning walking through the small and narrow street of the ancient town . Notice the littlel red lanterns hanging at every shop. All shops start looks as if they jump out of a a sword fight movie. I feel like a am the "xiao long nu" already. (minus the long hair and flowly robes)












Crystal clear water from Jade Dragon Snow mountain (Yu Long Xue Shan) flows through the town at the front and back of houses.









I was told that this building housed a family which produced 3 imperial scholars. A incredible feat during the ancient days.

Men of the Naxi tribe were a fortunate lots. During the olden days, the men did music, chess, books, paint, smoke, drink, and tea.(琴棋书画烟酒茶) The women farmed and brought back the bread for the family.






While walking along the street, I was stopped by the beautiful sight of sunrays hitting the pitched terrocotta roofs. No photoshop here. My favourite pic of the trip!

Staff movements

So many resignations recently. 4 in offices and then 2 ex-colleagues.

I am still feeling the post holi blues. The 30 mins jamming on my piano didn't help much, but helps release some frustration.

Not in the mood to write.

Post Holiday Blues

I am suffering from post holiday blues.

For the past two nights, I have not been sleeping well. Though i hate to admit it, but I miss T. Strange, because the feelings only come when i am about to lights off "Cat". It comes in the chronological order like this.

Lights off. Jump onto bed. Close eyes. *Pang* the missing start. Eyes big big the whole night.

And for Cat Flying. The one who can practical fall asleep everywhere, (plane, train, bus, jungle) start to lose her sleep.

Sigh.. Does that mean that this is a sign that I might be going to Chengdu soon? Sigh Sigh...

T is off washing leg AGAIN. How many times can one tahan? My right leg has the evidence of the overkill of leg massage.

Off to sleep. Not waiting for him...

Our voices heard

The elections are over!

Amazing results. Nothing too shocking but the incumbent PAP no longer enjoy landslide victories as before. Good. Because finally people are getting more gutsy. Daring to vote.

Friends and family members from Potong Pasir and Hougang are very proud that they are the gungho ones. Ha.. It takes guts to stay in Potong Pasir and Hougang. And more than guts to say "No" to the 80 million carrot dangled.

Kudos to the kamikaze six who dare challenged our own PM Lee. 33% for the young guns. Well Done! At first we are still afraid that they may lose their deposit.

Well, if the gahmen didn't give the progress package? What would be the result yesterday?

Bye .. and Home

In another few hours time, i am leaving my T behind and heading home.

Feeling rather "ok" instead of sad. Maybe the sadness will hit after i reach singapore. Back to staying alone.

Bad timing really bcos' i couldn't vote. After so many years, I finally got the chance to vote yet I am oversea. The plane only reached after midnight, missing the time for the chance to cast the last vote.

Just as well, PAP going to lose 2 votes. Me and T.

Idyllic life in Chengdu Part II

The sky was overcast this morning and it drizzled in the early part of the afternoon.

Life is still good. I woke up early at 10 o'clock once again. T and Mil has already returned from the nearby wet market. I could smell the nice aromatic fragrance of the yummy salted vegetable cooking in the kitchen. Yummy.

You may wonder why I am getting excited over cooked salted vegetable. This is because T makes the best cooked salted vegetable to go with my favourite Bah Ku Teh. We had Bak Ku Teh, Salted Vegetable, Green Leafy Vege and Deep Fried Doughnuts for lunch.

I was in heaven!!

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

More tales on MIL.

Yesterday, we went to carrefour and she bought some sausages and preserved szechuan vegetable to bring back to singapore (those loose type). I scared her by saying that immigration is very strict on food due to the recent Bird Flu and, that at least stopped her from buying more. Otherwise, I fear the damage would be worst. (She bought many more of others )

And

The luggage she brought is the cabin type and was already over-flowing with her shoppings. I told her to check and pack her stuff to gauge how much more shopping she could do. What i don't understand is, she is always saying she can't carry much things cos' she need to look after the babies when flying, and yet she starts to buy whatever she sees,to the extent of buying szechuan vege.

No szechuan vege in Singapore meh?

I offered to lighten her burden by carring some in my red gym bag (which i'm going to hand carry on board) and she whipped out 2 big DFS plastic bag full of stuff. My blood start to boil.

Lucky, T intervene scolding MIL how to put her things in my bag? She reacted by smiling sheepishly. Bloody Hell...

So in the end, T offer to swap his 25 inch luggage back for her cabin size luggage so that she could put more things. However, another mountainous task appear in front of her.

How is she going to carry her full luggage to my SIL home?

SIL home is 5th storey high with no lift.

*Sweat*