Malaysia in Singapore

A friend once commented that coming to my house is like an excursion to Malaysia. I kind of agree to what she said. Marcel and I have always felt that our street has significant resemblance to Jalan Concord 9, Penang where my parents’ house is.
If you stand on the street and look around, it really feels like being in Malaysia. Old houses, trees, no flats within the horizon and you get this laid-back undeveloped ‘kampung’ feel.

I know I know, apart from the irritatingly famous Roti Prata, (which attracts loads of traffic on weekends) Jalan Kayu probably has not much to offer. But look closely, there is abundance of greenery, sense of tranquility and if you’re lucky you can see a few roosters running around in the morning (God knows where they come from!).

So if it’s too far to drive to JB and you need a getaway, just drive round my house at Jalan Tari Piring, off Jalan Kayu for your half-day excursion :)

Goodness in a box

I wish I can do this more often- bring my own lunch. I brought some left-over chicken stew to work during the week . We have a little lunch box, a gift from Shih Erh. It was for me to pack lunch for Marcel since his office is in the whoopee whoop (Science Park). BUT the lunch box is way too cute for his appetite. Usually the food overflows into another bigger container :)

It comes with 2 rectangular containers (3”x 2”x 2”) and a jar (4”x 2”)– more suitable for children below 12 or me when I feel fat. Anyways, I love my chicken stew! It's THE dish that made Marcel marry me haha.

Menu for the day: SK chicken stew

To marinate (at least 30min):
Chicken drumsticks, fillet, thigh
Soy sauce
Salt
Oyster sauce

Ingredients (A):
Garlic, chopped
Dried shrimps
Dried scallops
Onion, cut
Cabbage, cut
Carrot, cut
Chili, for taste
Parsley

Ingredients (B)
Tomatoes
Potatoes
Fresh mushrooms
Enoki mushrooms
1 or 2 full cloves of garlic
Asparagus (optional)

Sautee ingredients (A) with butter, add chicken. Add water as needed to cover the ingredients. Simmer for 30minutes and add ingredients (B). Continue simmer for 30min or more. Serve with rice. Oh ya ! A must have to go with SK stew --> cut chili + soy sauce + calamansi.

Beautiful wedding

Venue -check

Invites- check

Flowers -check

Gown/suite - check
Make up -check
Music -check
Photography -check
Bridesmaid dresses -check
Cake- check
Favours- check

Hen night- check

Program -check

Guest book- check
Honeymoon- check

Ok.. all look good! Just a few more things to tidy up.. Talk to me about wedding planning and perk me up anytime of the day. It's my backup career!

My dear friend – Wan Ling is getting married! Who says we need 1 year to plan a wedding? She is doing it in 4 months! And NO, she is not pregnant! Juggling work, business and wedding in such a short time coupled with gloomy mood clouding the economy is not easy.. BUT I’m seeing a beautiful wedding coming up! 6 December- I look forward to it.

*photo from Perfect Bound*

Becoming bimbo again

Marcel left for Pune, India at the wee hour this morning. I went back to dreamland after seeing him off blurry. As expected, I overslept. It happens all the time when he travels. I automatically become a slack - I’ll be late for work, the bed is not made, the lights are on, sometimes i forget to lock the door!

Now, where on earth is Pune? It’s around 160 km southeast of Mumbai (see map) and pronounced as “Poooneh”. I laughed my head off when Marcel first mentioned the name as I thought it sounded abit vulgar/ racist.

So what’s life like for me when marcel travels?
- Snooze and snooze and snooze in the morning.
- Go for beauty fixes that take up time - hair cut, dermatologist.
- Become a workoholic- I would leave work later than usual even though there is no urgency / need to.
- Enjoy the solitaire of what he enjoys best – stay at home and soak myself with English / Cantonese series with my favourite authentic Penang Prawn Mee (AMK S11). I can do this over and over , the last time he travelled I had this three nights within a week.
- Catch up with girlfriends.
- 6552 1111 is on my speed-dial.
- Figuring out how to use the washing machine - yes one of the key benefits of marrying him is he loves to do laundry.
- Lost my way driving (only on weekends) and call him in overseas for directions!
- Become a bimbo (more so when he is not around).

Oh well.. I am hoping to make some changes this round though, I promise not to be late for work and remember to LOCK THE DOOR!

I miss my mijo.

*map from IndoGlobal Knowledge

Worry-free long weekend

Sunday:
Key take away from this Sunday's service -- DON'T WORRY (Mathew:6-25-34). It's not a new revelation, it's not a new verse but it's a good reminder and applicable!
If God feeds the birds in the air and beautifully clothes the lilies in the field, how much more can He bless us? Are we not worth more than the birds and the flowers? So why worry? We're not going to grow taller /prettier/ smarter/ happier / richer/ live longer by worrying for tomorrow. Plan for tomorrow but not worry for tomorrow – thin line I must say. Live one day at a time. When the event comes, there will be grace.. I think I'm happy staying as a five-footer!

Monday:
Our usual massage outlet, Wu You never fails. Wu you (in Chinese), direct translates as “no worries”. It's a place that hardly disappoints. The masseurs are English speaking aunties with strong hands... Admit that Wu You is not the sexiest name for a spa but it's value for money and gets the job done effectively. I don't really need a breath-taking landscape to feel ‘relaxed’ neither do I need to be treated gingerly like a baby in high-end spas. But this unnoticed shop in Upper Thomson always comes in time for a quick fix for exhaustion.

Hey hey it's hot pot day!

Lunch out of Raffles Place is always refreshing. Found this place called Hey Hey Hot Pot Restaurant. It’s deserted at the end of a dark corridor of Paradiz Centre basement. Corny name and "Cheeena" décor BUT this place is a hidden gem with unique menu.

The broth: We chose the winter melon double boiled stock. They’ve got other funky selection like fish and coconut, shark bone or herbal chicken.

The gem: Apart from the usual steamboat ingredients, the highlights are their little dumplings in marble size. Very cute!!! My top picks: custard dumplings (nai wong pao) and the char siew pao. Yes you’re reading it right. Char Siew Pao! It’s Dim Sum in a hot pot!! Sounds weird but you gotta try!

The price: Reasonable for buffet. S$25+ /pax for lunch and $35+/pax for dinner.

Conclusion: Happified.

Hey Hey Hot Pot 1 Selegie Road #B1-20 Paradiz Centre Tel: 6333 5166

Are you in the novelty camp?

I was once told that Singapore has the highest number of photographer per capita. Indeed, 5 out of 10 friends own a gigantic heavy SLR camera. Everyone is turning “pro” one after another. People beyond my wildest guess are joining the novelty camp.

I think I'm a mini-photographer (wannabe) too. I've got the passion, but the enthusiasm is periodical and intensive only during holidays. I've got cameras too- whatever belongs to Marcel is mine. We have a Nikon or Canon SLR something something model and a compact Samsung (errr XYZ model). See, that explains why I'm a perfect candidate for mini-photographer wannabe.

Out of the 800+ shots that I took during my recent holiday, Marcel (the official photographer for the household) only picked 2 or 3 magical shots that got his approval, but since I'm an amateur , I think I fared better.

Spot the difference

It's results season again. Unquestionably, my workstation is invaded like a war zone. Obviously "Clean-desk”policy is not implemented here. But I recently read that studies show clean desk policy can help to:-

1. Portray the right image of employee (meaningless if you're sleep deprived)
2. Reduce stress level with a tidy desk (rolling my eyes)
3. Reduce the threat of security as passwords and confidential information get locked away (not applicable)
4. Reduce workplace accidents and spills (ok, now we're talking!)
   

So today, I decided to do a test on the studies, especially on point 2 and oh well, on point 1 too (might as well).

Let's wait for a week, ok maybe less than that -which ever that comes first - back to ground zero or a happier sk with a polished image.

A phone call away

A cliché. "A phone call away" -often said and used by telcos as tag lines. But no one picks up the phone and call a friend any more (at least for my generation) unless it's necesary . Keeping in touch= yahoo, msn, facebook, email. Try calling an old-time friend whom you've not seen/spoken for awhile, you'll probably scare him/her and spur thoughts on your vested interest– insurance? MLM ?

Sigh…

I was working late last night and got a surprised call from an old friend from Penang, Boon Choo. We’ve not spoken for years… She’s a mother of one who doesn’t go on line and I usually vegetate and stay at home when I’m back in Penang. Sort of lost touch over the years though her name remains in my phone book.

It’s really nice to hear from her again. There was no feeling of distance or awkward moment of silence at all. Short conversation but good enough to catch up.

Hmmm.. having said that, it doesn’t mean that I'm gonna look up my phone book and start calling long-lost friends, but at least I’ll look Boon Choo up on my next trip home :)

*Photo courtesy of devicepedia.com

Chicken porridge for the soul

It's been a great Sunday. Great service! Great weather – I love it when it rains, especially on a weekend. It makes all things more sentimental and cozy...

Realised that I've not been in my own sanctuary for a while and since the household needs a little bit of detox, decided to make some chicken porridge to go with the weather..

Own creation :
Rice (soaked for 30min)
Chicken drumstick or whole chicken
Water
Carrots
Cabbage
Garlic and ginger
Spring onion stalk

Modified from Chef J's mom's recipe:
Marinate chicken fillet with Chinese wine, ginger and soy sauce (30min). Steam for 20min.


Boil ingredients in own creation for 1 hour until chicken is soft. Constant stirring is needed to prevent sticky and burnt pot. Remove chicken and shred into strips.
Continue to boil porridge for another hour. Serve with shredded chicken, spring onion, shredded lettuce, ginger, fish sauce and of course, steam chicken fillet by Chef J's mom. Now this is what I called a chicken porridge – jia liao (up sized).

Me, in a nutshell

My self: I’m a Penangite, half-converted (mentally) Singaporean. I’m married to a tall, dark handsome man- Marcel (eyes of a beholder).

My family: Dad- full of wisdom. Mom- kitchen is her sanctuary and majong is her relaxation. Elder bro- loves cartoon even at 40+. Elder sis- surrounded by men who love her (hubby and 2 boys).

My passion: Wedding planning, flowers, cooking, my God

My likes: Trashy magazines, chic flicks, pretty little things

My work: I'm an equity analyst. I write reports about stocks, what to buy, what to sell. I’m “supposed” to know the future ups and downs of share prices and have my views penned down. So how do I know the future? I try my best to analyse the numbers and pray...

My pride: My friends.

My new love: French and Sake

Boss’s day

It’s the first time I heard of ‘Boss’s day ! Being the ring leader for office ‘sabotage’ , I was again tasked to think of creative ideas to play a prank on the bosses. Not the BIG boss of course, that would just be suicidal. Just within our department.

My very last few drops of ‘sabo’ brain juice managed to come up with a simple yet effective plan . We sent SMS in groups to different heads within the department in the morning faking that we’ll be on MC. The plan worked and created some anxiety among the bosses looking for covers in view of the group absence! Mind you, the morning atmosphere before market opens is usually tense and angsty, so group absence is the last thing we need.

Yes, at turbulent times like this, we are still capable of having pockets of fun.

P.S: our bosses are cool and office pranks are common and desirable to preserve sanity!

*Cartoon strip courtesy of Dilbert.com

Comfort food

Need a breather. Yoga, retail therapy or lunch with girl friends? The choice is clear. Coupled with 180ml of sake, our quickie lunch was filled with laughter and tears. Different industries, similar set of stress. Different households, common set of problems. After ranting and laughing at each other’s problems, I felt better. Lunch with girlfriends – my "comfort" food.

Daddy and mommy's girl

That’s how I felt through out my 10-day break with my parents. Though there were some naggings here and there- ‘Don’t drink alcohol before food’, ‘Don’t leave your wallet on the table’, ‘Zip your bag’, ‘Don’t forget the passports’, deep down my heart, I felt sheltered...

Had a tad sense of loss when I came back home . Back to reality – I’ve long past a little girl, I’m all grown up. I am happily married. I am an adult.

In a nutshell, the trip is themed “Discovering my parents”. Getting to know my parents whom I’ve only shared 10 years of my life living with under one roof. It’s not easy, but it’s worth while. It is definitely not easy for them to accept the fact that their girl is no longer 7 or 18! But it’s great! It’s an unbeatable experience! We talked and talked and talked. Catching up on lost time.. I talked about my work, Marcel, my friends.. who is getting married, who has a new baby.. Dad almost finished his life story with me and even wanted me to write a biography about him. Mom told me things that I’ve completely forgotten – that she had a twin sister (who passed away very very young).. So there you go, with a set of twins in Marcel’s family PLUS my mom’s gene of being a twin herself, let’s hope for some miracles in my life!

In conclusion: trip of my life.

Little sheep

I am a ‘Sunday school teacher’. A phrase often met by disbelief and shock from my colleagues. The little faith that they have don’t think I’m capable of looking after children especially with my stern face when I don't smile.

So I AM a Sunday school teacher. I serve in my church, looking after toddlers from 2 to 3 years old (once every 3 weeks). It’s a big part of my life and something which I enjoyed over the past 5 years and still loving it.

A typical Sunday would include playing, singing, story telling, feeding, diaper changing, pacifying and lots of laughter.

I love the innocent looks of the children. I love their smiles, the tears, the laughter and the hugs. I love it when they snuggle up on my lap … I love it when they just can’t let go of my hand and follow me around in class. It melts me to hear them talk in their Mickey-mouse voice, “Teacher, teacher.. I have a lollipop today’’ , “Teacher, teacher, see my new pink skirt” .. Of course there are challenging times, toy snatching, crying and longing for parents, pushing around etc etc.. BUT they are all blessed and protected! Pooing or peeing is not considered as a challenge though.

I’ve learned a lot from these kids.. I learn what’s the hottest cartoon character in town, the popular patterns and designs of water bottles and school bags and much more..

And even if I end the day with aching bones, I love it! I get to serve!

words of the day

Bloodbath. Definitions found in the web:-
1) Indiscriminate killing or slaughter
2) A Swedish death metal supergroup from Stockholm formed in 1999

My definition: when there is no green and upward pointing arrows

Recession. Definitions found in the web:-
1) A period of general economic decline, part of the usual business cycle
2) significant decline in economic growth that lasts six months or longer. It is usually marked by job layoffs, high unemployment, reductions in retail sales, and the slowing of housing and car markets. A recession is milder than a depression....

My definition:
1) when you see ang mohs flock in hawker centres and food courts
2) when you see your colleagues coming to work even if they are sick
3) when people are shocked to receive small holiday tokens/ gifts from you (wondering why are you still not tightening your belt)
4) when mcdonald's breakfast is considered expensive!

Being away for almost 2 weeks, I've been blessed and spared from the daily dosage of negativity. The dosages come intensively where you receive pessimistic emails with titles like "xxx market crashe xx%", "xxxx down %", "xxxx lines being pulled" every other minute...

Amidst all these negativity, i decided to pop down to do a quick leg-wax at my usual manicure shop.. and there we have girls who are always chatty, happy and contented looking, shining and buffing their nails away.. gossiping about who's who in other branches.. stressing on what to eat for tea time...

Oh well... Who cares about recession? Who cares about bloodbath? As long as my nails are shiny and clean and my legs are smoothly waxed..hmmm i think I need a hair cut too...