2008 significant events

SK circle of life annual report 2008- significant events page

• Jan– Ate at Yellow Light three times a week


• Feb- Gave my first 'married' CNY ang pow


• Mar- DAP rocked Penang


• Apr- Step foot to the legendary Monkey God Mountain. Best McCouple sleeping annonymous

• May- Yvonne got married. Our official honeymoon



• June- Forgot my 1st year wedding anniversary. Chickened out on my lasik surgery


• July- Bon Jour, cava, bien. Arrival of baby Jeen

• Aug- Wong proposed to wl. 48-hour get-away in BKK

• Sep- My dream came true to make my dad's dream come true

• Oct- Wrote my first blog


• Nov- Learned how to lap dance

• Dec- Marcel turned 34, WL got married

Acrophobia

I heroically suggested taking the cable car ride to Sentosa with Eve and Sonia to make our outing more fun.

I thought I could do it because it was dark. I thought I could be distracted by the chirpiness from the girls. I thought my protector nature could outshine the fear given that I was the ADULT.

I was wrong. The full glass view of the brightly-lit Genting Resort construction site made the fall-space between the cabin and the sea very apparent. My muscle was tensed. My heart palpitated like I just finished hot yoga. My mind was irrationally wondering what lies beneath… It was the longest 10 minutes in my life. Marcel’s hands were near-bruised after the ride. The ride back was more joyful on the sky train.

I’m giddy recounting it.

The picture was obviously taken before the ride started.

Fusion prawns

My discovery for this Christmas.

Poach prawns in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes and refresh in iced water. De-shell and de-vein.

Dressing

• Chili-1-2
• Palm sugar – 1.5 tsp
• Garlic 2-3 cloves
• Lime juice – 30ml
• Rice vinegar-30ml
• Fish sauce-30ml
• Oil -1/2 tsp
• Kaffir lime leaves 1-2, grated
  

1. Pound chili, palm sugar and garlic
2. Add lime juice, rice vinegar, fish sauce, oil and Kaffir lime leaves
3. Pour dressing on poached prawns and refrigerate

Accompanying salt

• Sea salt – 2 tsp
• Lime rind, finely grated
• Dried chili – 2
• Sugar -1 tsp

1. Place chili in a small frying pan and cook over high heat until crisp, add salt, stir continuously. Cool it
2. Pound cooled chilli & salt with lime rind and sugar

Silent day

I'm eating the fruits of not believing in delayed gratification while my fellow colleagues are sleeping in and Marcel relaxing at home on this rainy Boxing day. I'm the ONLY soul here in office with 16 empty cubicles around me. It's so quiet that I'm blasting Duffy to keep my spirit high. Hmm... I wonder if Robinsons or Taka is having Boxing day sale?

Wishes

My random Christmas and New Year wishes to you...

Peace. Joy. Have a good laugh. Know who Jesus is. Fun time with family. Receive presents that pleasantly surprise you. No hang over. Smooth drive on the road. Full house. Right recipe. No weight gain after feasting. Meet someone special. No pimple breakout with junk food overdose. Look back in 2008 and find some precious moments. Wake up to a big smile. Not caught in the rain. Sleep in. Rest & relax. Find the right present. Perfect nails. Truly enjoy yourself and forget about work. Great company. Count down with someone you love. Health. Your wish come true.

To be or not to be

THE house is wafted with scent of fir... Our Christmas tree is finally up. It fits perfectly in the empty corner where the invisible side table is. It's been my dream to have a side table with a beautiful lamp, vase of flowers, some photo frames on it, against a painting or mirror on the wall.. We have not found one that we love and affordable. OK it's not about the side table today... It's about our Douglas Fir tree.

The story of our tree was well illustrated in Marcel's blog. Now, let's hear my version of it titled "Doing the SiewKhee thing".

I know the unspeakable joy of having a real tree, especially more so for Marcel. Being a prudent wife-wannabe, I've had it all planned out (if only you could see my sureness) to get it at great discount days before Christmas like we did last year. Low and behold, all nurseries along Thomson Road decided to cut down their orders simultaneously this year. They were sold out earlier than expected!!! "Penny wise, pound foolish", "Stupid Chinese woman" kept ringing in my head the whole time when I was frantically trying to find a solution - my last resort was to get a fake tree. Poor husband tried to hide his dissapointment because I was in tears and condemned by guilt...

When I found out that Cold Storage Jelita still had stock, I promised myself I would never pull this stunt again in the years to come! BUT I think God is really grooming me into a prudent wife, because the tree was only S$49.90 after 50% discount!! Much cheaper than my original budget. I'm torn now...

My girl friends in A-Z

I wanted to blog about my good friends to tell them I love and treasure them. This is the best I can do… Those who have eyes, let them read…

The All-rounder. She sings, she writes, she cooks (best chef in town), she sews, she’s good with her hands and she’s smart. She’s one whom I call for ALL recipes. She is a survivor.

Miss Big heart. She’s got the biggest heart and compassion beyond comprehension (she donates to busker-uncles DAILY). She’s always ready to help with ANYTHING (from buying diapers to event organizing). She's one whom I would trust to baby-sit MSKJ one day..

The Calmer. She’s always calm and composed. Yelling is not in her dictionary. She remains unrattled in times of trying.

The Dreamer. She not only dreams but she carries out her dreams. She’s an idealist yet versatile. Her life is never dull and always ready to plan the next holiday, gathering, and celebration.

The Etiquetter – She’s the master of all social graces and manners. You’ll never catch her walking and eating simultaneously alive. She’s also the Singapore-version of Martha Stewart who can host beautiful parties to planning a perfect wedding.

Miss Frugal– She’s good with numbers and the person whom we entrust with ‘ang pow’ box at weddings. She’s organized in her money management and a savvy consumer who doesn’t waste her money, time and energy on things she doesn’t need.

The Guy’s girl. She can be any men’s bestfriend because she knows more about football and car racing than any normal guy. She’s humorous and not afraid to make fun of herself to entertain others.

Miss Outspoken. She’s frank and honest. She’s never pretentious and doesn’t hide her feelings. She’s protective over her friends. She lives life to the fullest by swaying in ballrooms to wakeboarding in waters...

Social butterfly. She’s easy going and have tonnes of friends. She has the gift of gap and can help you break the ice in a boring party.

Tough cookie. Independent and strong minded. She knows what she wants and in control of her life. She doesn’t take any nonsense and definitely not afraid of a bully. Her luurve for Chicken Vindaloo is as much as mine...

The vain pot. She’s in denial of her flawless complexion. She knows the best dermatologist in town. She’s positive and contented with her life (other than her complexion). She chooses to look at the bright side of things yet carries a bitch bone in her body. She’s the winner of ‘the most transformed woman after motherhood’.

Walking medical encyclopedia. She knows which doctor to recommend in town . Tell her your symptoms and she would probably be able to diagnose you over the phone with all the medical terms.

Quiet Christmas

IS it me or this year’s Christmas spirit is somewhat overshadowed by the world’s woes? Usually by this time of the year, I would be in a tight spot to choose which party to attend, prioritizing which dinner/ get-together is important. I would have finished shopping for all Christmas presents by now. This year, it feels different. I’ve only got two invites (I’m not dropping hints to be invited please, and I’m still popular, oh you of little faith).

I still have no clue of my menu for the family Christmas lunch that we’re hosting. Presents wise -I’m only about half done.

I know, Christmas is not all about presents and parties but to celebrate Christ. But admittedly, it gives the secular world something to look forward to every year. It's a season of giving and everyone is usually happier, more generous and fatter. But this round, it seems quieter with not much of a falala. My office is the first to see the change- no fancy hampers from Harrods, no Christmas party and lesser incoming goodies too.

Perhaps I should learn to appreciate the beauty of the quietness of this holiday season. Enjoy the peacefulness and count my blessings. Yes.. it's a quiet Christmas but it will be a good one. I'm sure I'll whip up something for the lunch and buy the right presents at the last minute...

*image from etsy.com

Multi-purpose salad

It's suitable for all occasions- quickie dinner, pot luck dish, sandwich fillling and of course, a fast-acting laxative agent to promote vigorous bowel movements. Not to mention, it tastes nice and looks great with the colours.

Ingredients:
Avocado - 1, diced *Choose an avocado that is soft enough to yield under your finger but not soft to leave a mark
Cherry tomatoes -1 box, diced
Garlic - 2 cloves, chopped
Corn kennel - 1 can
Coriander - a few stalks, chopped
Lemon - 1, squeezed juice
Chilli - 1, cut
Salt & pepper

Mix everything and add lemon juice as dressing, salt & pepper to taste. Voila!

Benefit of a fierce face

“Lor cham th’ng” – that’s how I like my Penang Hokkien Mee, ie add some “Lor mee” sauce in the prawn soup. It makes the spicy soup more pungent with herbs, extra savory yet not as sticky as a normal Lor Mee. I think it’s a Penangite thing.

This is my favourite Penang Hokkien Mee from AMK S11 Food Centre, Blk 711, AMK Ave 8, #01-08. The one that I can eat three times a week when Marcel is not around. The snobbish looking vendor raised his eye brows when I first ordered this funky combo but I think he got used to it after my persistent return visits.

I recently found out that not everyone has the privilege to order the funky "lor cham th'ng" combo because my cousin was rudely refused by him when she tried to do the same. Perhaps he caved in to my fierce-looking whole-world-owes-me-money face that could top him, but not my angelic cousin. Haha, never knew that my signature unfriendly-snobbish-look can be so useful.

Surprise sandwich

If Forrest Gump said life is like a box of chocolate, I think Marcel should say “Life is like my wife’s sandwich, you never know what you're gonna get”.
When I'm in the mood, I enjoy spending extra time preparing surprise sandwich for Marcel. It’s called surprise sandwich because he leaves me alone to get the ingredients when we do our groceries while he focuses on other department of the household - detergent, tidbits, toilet rolls. I usually prepare in the morning when he showers or the night before (if it involves cooking) with no interference and don’t reveal what’s inside the sandwich. He needs to find out himself. So the thrill for me lies in the ‘sneaky’ preparation process and imagining his facial expressions of satisfaction when he tastes it. The little things in life…

I'm sane

INSANITY means doing the same thing over and over, but expecting different results. The verdict is out. I'm not insane. I can do /eat/listen/watch the same thing, food, music, movie over and over and still enjoy it fully, expecting the same level of satisfaction each time..

I can listen to the same Jacky Cheung or Jay Chou song repeatedly for 1 day or even 1 week. I watched "He is a woman, She is a man" 26 times over the span of 3 years. I can eat Penang Laksa, Perut Ikan, Penang style Chai Boey everyday and be happy.

So this week is a happy week with Penang Laksa (from Jason Penang Cuisine) and 2 days of Penang Chai Boey, thanks to Shih. For those who have not tried, Penang Chai Boey is absolutely different from Sg's . It's sour and tangy cooked from salted vegetables, tamarind, dried chilli and roasted duck/ pork. A common dish in Malaysia after a wedding or CNY reunion dinner where the left over dishes are put together and simmer for hours. I can eat this everyday... Burp.. I still have a container left over in the fridge.

Homesick remedy

After 10 years, I finally found a cure to my random Penang nostalgia. Jason Penang Cuisine at ABC Food Centre, #01-113. I think Jason should have named his stall “Best of Penang” for the variety that he has - Char Koey Teow, Laksa, Hokkien Mee and Lor Mee. We tried the CKT and Laksa for a total of 5 bucks! I would rate 85% for authenticity and 100% for value. It's definitely more worth it than the S$30++ Penang buffet in Copthorne King and the S$10++ in Penang Kitchen at Coronation Road. The only caveat is it's NOT in a restaurant. Well... if you're in Penang, you would be nuts to go to a restaurant for hawker food anyway...

Lost touch

I think I've lost it, the touch of gift wrapping. I started off full of pride and confidence to create my own wrapper (like I used to do with pretty magazine pages) but just couldn't get it right! I couldn't find any nice images from my collection of Simply Her, Women's Weekly and The Economist, though there were some nice pictures from Marcel's National Geography but I wouldn't want to risk my head.

So I moved on to my next self-proclaimed (and unnecessary) creative plan --wrap with Financial Times.

I thought it would make the giver look intellectual. I was wrong. It looked horrible! Finally, I resorted to normal gift wrapper (so I thought)-Ikea wrapper that is very "Siew Khee" with my favourite colours. Disaster!! It was too flimsy and thin that made the presents look cheap! So after 2 hours of exercising forced gift-wrapping flair (while Marcel chills in front of TV, engrossed in Hero), I was sweaty and frustrated. I gave up.

Moral of the story: BE NORMAL.
I can already see SY rolling her eyes...

Boring or faithful?

SY told me that her boss has 10-20 pairs of shoes under her table. I’m guilty as charged but not as bad I supposed. I’ve got 7 including a pair of slippers. The shoes left behind in the office are mostly uncomfortable or impulse purchases. They were bought on days that I forgot I had meeting and came to work in casual-looking shoes.

I just stock checked and realize that 3 out of the 7 pairs are similar– black, open-toes flats! I wonder if it’s a sign of me being consistent, faithful or just plain boring… No wonder my ex-boss used to comment that my shoes were all “Amish” looking.
Actually I’m not that unadventurous, I wished I can sway around in high heels, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. I bought a pair of Cinderella looking shimmery 3-inch heels to match my green dress for wl’s wedding. Unfortunately I only lasted 2 hours in them before I retreated into a lower heels (yet another black one) and finally into my old-faithful Teva slippers…

Perfect weekend

Splendid...Started with a beautiful wedding on Saturday followed by a chill-and-do-nothing Sunday at Sentosa Beaufort and intimate dinner among a handful of us recounting the details on the wedding day. Finally, it ended with a drizzly cozy Monday soaking in cantonese series and my signature porridge. Can't be better. I want more...

Cliquish

All for one, one for all. After the success of sari and cheongsam, we did it again, this round it's lovely green dresses in different styles. Kudos to seamstress Anna, the girls received lots of compliments! Theme party dress-up is really our forte! Nothing beats looking good together with friends.

Photography for dummies

A new revelation: not much photography skills required if the camera is good. Just snap away. Lighting, sharpness, zoom seems so effortless because it's all built in and automated. Thanks to the new toy in the house: Canon EOS 50D.

I'm striking off item no. 6 in my top 10 to-do list for 2009- Learn to use a DSLR camera.

Henned out

It was wl’s hen night last Saturday and I came down with flu on Sunday. I think I'm a nerd in disguise who's trapped in a beautiful body (haha). I can't take late night clubbings anymore...

This is our 2nd hen night for the year. We chucked away our usual ‘sexy’ rental costume to embarass the hen and booked ourselves a session of exotic-lap dance with Groove studio, in the dingy Waterloo centre. It turned out fun and hilarious! No sight of exoticness at all as you can see from the pix! I think our men would laugh and fall off the chair if any of us attempt to put this into practice... I can already hear "Stop it honey!" or "What are you doing?" ...

The group’s brainjuice is also dried up with ‘creative’ sabos this round. So I went to the party supplies shop in Valley Point and got us a ready-made “Bachelorette’s Last Night’s Dare To Do It” checklists.

1. Dance with a bald guy
2. Kiss the first guy who speaks to you
3. Serenade someone
4. Blow kisses to a stranger
5. Remove your bra without leaving the room
6. Collect 3 men’s phone number
7. Drink 3 shots in a row
8. Dance on the table
9. Wink at a guy and lick your lips
10. Collect a pair of men’s boxers

Well, let’s just say that not everything in the list got checked because the hen and the chics were too happified by the end of the night.

Hiding place

I am a walking zombie today, thanks to the mere 4-hour zzz. My work scope is never stale and hinges a lot on newsflow and what’s happening in the industry, bla bla bla… My day could start off slow and easy with long breakfast, manicure during lunch but turn 180 degrees south after market close. Checking for announcements on the SGX website before I sleep has become a daily routine for me (and Marcel), even as applying my night moisturizer... As soon as there's any relevant news, I start working again.

So what is the aftermath cure to stay awake the following day? I head to the office library for a power nap. My usual quick fix to a zombified day. I have a yoga mat and pillow hidden among the books at a corner. The kind and understanding librarian would signal to me when I can ‘check in’ after she’s done with her filing.

I lock the door, off the lights, lay my mat on the floor, take off my shoes, set the alarm and there I go, onto my condensed dreamland... After 20 minutes, I subtly walk out of the library, passing my colleagues and back to my desk with a fresh face. Erm.., I think my boss sort of knows the quirky practice but has been kind to pretend ignorant.

*My pillow is orange & brown in colour, the white & red ones belong to my collegues

Big sun room

Recently SL introduced me to Café Beviamo, Paragon. The small hideout is located along the corridor of level 5 (Marks & Spencer end). I must say, it serves one of the best and affordable café latte in town, much better than PS café on level 3. Don’t be misled by the ‘ang moh’ crowd because the prices are not expensive. Go during the day and enjoy the sunlight shining through the big window panel against the greenery landscape outside. It feels like a big sun room.

SL, Aleve and I made a pact to return in December on our “Pretend-to-be-tai-tai” playday. We will dress up nicely, stroll along Orchard Road on a weekday, shop for Christmas presents, stop by Café Beviomo for a cuppa, foot massage, high tea... Can't wait!

*Café Beviamo has another outlet in Tanglin Mall.

Heavy heart

Sometime May this year, I sent a string of sms/emails to people in my circle asking for B+ blood donation for my colleague’s 2 year-old niece, Jill, battling cancer. To my pleasant surprise, the response was overwhelming and my colleague was touched and impressed by these forthcoming people... I’m not sure if any of them got called up by the hospital for the donation eventually.
Every now and then I would get updates from my colleague on Jill’s development and how she's coping with the chemo...

Today, I received news that Jill has passed away last Thursday.

I’m sad though I've not met Jill but it's like I know her from far... Her obituary reads, “(She) followed Jesus to the heavenly playground after a valiant battle with Malignant Rhabdoid Tumour”, with a photo of her in a big happy smile.

She has fought a good fight in faith and will be remembered as a tough cookie by a lot of people whom she’s never met.

My prayers go to her family… and thanks to those who have courageously availed themselves to help Jill...

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” -2 Tim 4:7

*image from chookooloonks.com

Market talk

My supposedly-free 2nd half of November is now packed with reports lining up to be written...Marcel commented that he can't do what I do for a living. Neh, I disagree. Anyone can be an analyst. All you need is a healthy body to strive through some late nights, read up and good human relations to talk to the right people. The rest is up to divine intervention :) Don't get me wrong, I'm not belittling my job. It feels really good when a stock under my coverage moves in the direction in my favour. If it doesnt, sorry! Over a longer-term, I would be right - whatever that comes down will go up and vice versa :)

A market analyst is an expert who will know tomorrow why the things he predicted yesterday didn't happen today!

Project rainbow

OUR recent daily breakfast conversation topics at work have been surrounding retrenchment and pay cuts like a broken record. So and so from XYZ, this and that person from ABC. Job cuts are happening at a breakneck speed in my industry. Some of my peers in other firms are not spared. Being too junior, one could be the first to go and being too senior, he or she could be considered as a "heavyweight" and targeted as the sacrificial lamb for the team. It's not about competence or loyalty anymore but a number game. It's sad but there's no point living in fear or constantly expecting judgement to happen like some around me...

Well, I've got nothing to hold on but on His grace. I'm going to start a project for myself called Project Rainbow - wear a rainbow on my head and not be a follower of the crowd with dark clouds over their heads... Ok ok this is a pure SK monologue, don't roll your eyes.

*image fr www.the6thdimension.com

He loves me, he loves me not

When I ask my husband: why do you love me. His answer is always the same- because you’re my wife (sigh, rolling my eyes).

Well, I have 22 things (today) that I love about my husband.

1. Jesus is his hero
2. He is my no. 1 fan
3. His wisdom
4. My friends can confide in him
5. His stamina to wake up at 6am every morning just to send me to work
6. Staying up till late (watching TV) to accompany me finish up my work
7. I can count on him at all times
8. His great photography skills (eg. pix on right)
9. He quietly clears all the hair that I dropped in the shower
10. Kids like him
11. His passion for laundry
12. He doesn’t leave his dirty laundry on the floor
13. He loves my cooking
14. He doesn’t nag at my chronically messiness
15. Good in planning holidays and excellent traveling companion
16. He writes well
17. He is efficient at work
18. Half-Hainanese convert
19. He has sexy calves
20. Handy man in the making
21. He downloads Chinese songs for me
22. He loves coriander & BCM
    
    
    

Sisterhood

They say that good girl friends tend to have their menstrual cycles coincide... Synchronous menstruation has been observed among mothers, sisters, daughters and friends who live together, and sometimes among women who simply work together. Hmm how about coincidental- syncrhonised attire??

2 days (in a row) of unplanned-synchronised-chopsticks-sisters attire

I have a dream

My top ten to-do (wish list) in the thirty forth year:-

1. Write a letter in French
2. Have a kid
3. Learn how to cook fish curry and rasam
4. Visit Israel
5. Foot massage my husband
6. Learn to use a DSLR camera
7. Bake a cake
8. Perm my hair
9. Picnic
10. A trip with my sister

My back up eleventh to twentieth things-to-do in the thirty forth year:-

1. Go for eye lasik
2. Visit my nephews-in-law or niece-in-law whom I’ve not met
3. Read every issue of The Economist
4. Add new pictures to the wall
5. A trip with friends
6. Decorate the attic
7. Plant a palm tree
8. Watch Sex And The City movie with wandalingam
9. Go for a swim
10. Take a walk on the beach

"I have a dream" - Martin Luther King, Jr. 1963

Let there be light

Since I'm on the subject of Yellow Light, I should do the restaurant justice to rave about it. As I said before, I'm biased and I'm proud to be so. I can easily name 10 dishes that topped any other Thai eateries in Singapore.

1. Miang Khum - condiments wrapped in "spider leaves". Best sauce so far in Singapore.
2. Nam Prik Ka Pi - raw vegetables with sambal (beats any Malay sambal).
3. Fried fish cake - note the subtle crunchiness from the long beans.
4. Poo Ja-stuffed crab meat with a touch of salted egg.
5. Fried salted egg- uniquely YL.
6. Steamed lime fish- ask for less spicy if you can't handle it.
7. Fried 3-flavoured fish- It's good! Pardon my lack of fancy vocab, I'm not a food critic after all..
8. Tang-hoon crab- the coriander root and garlic are hidden below.
9. Tom Yam soup- more flavourful than the usuals
10. Thap Thim Krawp- the all-time fav Red Rubbies. Ask to up size it with a scoop of coconut ice cream!

I don't know why this comes to mind :-Genesis 1:3-4 - And God said, let there be light, and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good...


Yellow Light Thai Food Restaurant
95 East Coast Road
6345 7324
Closed on Monday

I'm biased

I was looking forward for a romantic dinner and movie to celebrate the cliche 5-year coutrship anniversary. But how could I resist the last minute carrot dangled by Yeeling to meet BB Jeen? The chubby-cutie pie is too adorable to miss. So we decided to join the Teo family at our favourite hang out - Yellow Light, a hot spot for all occassions (birthdays, promotion, farewell, catch up, formal, informal). This is the place that I go for some spice and comfort food. I'm biased. I think it's the best Thai Restaurant in Singapore. Good food, good friends, I supposed we can save the candle-light dinner for next year...

Long vacation

My department secretary told me that it's the first time she sees someone with ZERO leave balance – yup that's me. It’s been a good year for me, praise God. I don't believe in delayed gratification. I've never had more than 2 days of leave carry forward in my entire working life. Why postpone joy if you can have it? I look forward to 2009 with 8 long-weekends in Singapore. So plan ahead fellow Kiasus!

New Year's Day -Thursday-1 January
*Chinese New Year- Monday, Tuesday - 26, 27 January
*Good Friday- Friday, 10 April
*Labour Day- Friday , 1 May
Vesak Day- Saturday, 9 May
*National Day- Sunday, 9 August
*Hari Raya Puasa- Sunday, 20 September
*Deepavali- Sunday, 15 November
*Hari Raya Haji- Friday, 27 November
*Christmas Day- Friday, 25 December

Gray matter

I'm obsessed with my hair, or rather my gray hair. Whenever I'm in front of a mirror, my hands would automatically go through my hair to see the sprouting gray hair hidden under. Sometimes I would pluck them if I manage to dispel the myth that plucking one causes two or three to grow back. Other times, I just stare at them, as if they would vanish under my intent look. This is a cyclical phase or obsession that happens every 6 months when my hair dye fades. Vanity and denial at work I guess.

It brings back memory of me helping my dad to pluck his gray hair when I was young (the picture shown could be taken before or after a hair-plucking-session). He used to tip me 5 cents for every hair that I pulled. Hmm... perhaps that was his way of imparting the value of money to me at a young age... Now he is proudly embracing going gray but I think my mom is still doing her dye-job. The day will come when I wear this badge of wisdom with pride like Meryl Streep in Devil Wears Prada. But for now, I'm still fantasizing being Ann Hathaway.