3 sessions to Halloween

Last Saturday I became 狗仔队. Glad that we managed to pull off the surprise.

Session 1:

It was tiring actually, for I was greatly involved in session 1 and 2. Anyway, that enabled me to visit the Underwater World for the first time ever. And I think I will never visit it again.

Not when I went round the tank for like…10 times?

A lot of people were also at the Underwater World. So much so, I felt a bit claustrophobic too.

Our destination

Here we are…

Fur seal! Take photo with it need money lor.

*yawn*

Freaking long tail

Jellyfishes that change from red to…

…to yellow

Mimic octopus, which btw also can change colour too

Nautilus

Beautiful silhouette of a dugong

Was supposed to wait for WK and FT to appear for their dive session but their briefing and preparation took a long time. In the end, I had to go to location #2, Siloso Beach Resort to prepare the room. But it was fun doing up the room and setting the camera secretly to capture his reaction.

Plan A success!

Friday was the surprise party for FT, and also create some tension for WK. It was quite fun while we reminisce about it after the BBQ.

Well, the initial plan was to hold the BBQ at DC’s place, but then we thought there weren’t any surprise element behind it, so we thought to switch the BBQ to SS’s place. Without FT and WK knowing.

On the day, WK and FY actually reached DC’s place at 7pm, but no one, not even DC was there. We were to pretend that the time was wrongly arranged on next Fri instead. Poor FT was eating potato chips and drinking mineral water with WK by the poolside, while WK was stunned to realise that no one was there. And despite the calling/smsing to some of us, no one answered him.

Best thing was, FT had no inkling what had happened.

The rest of us were like rushing to do things and get all prepared before they reached so that they can start eating the moment they arrive. Even Caramel was super excited as I was trying to rush to SS’s place so that we can get things done.

Then they were brought to dinner at Geylang (where SS stayed and that the BBQ was to be held) by DC and G, who were there to stress WK, and of coz, we sprang the surprise! They found out about the prank.

Anyway, we had a good time, and mission accomplished. Everything was good.

Thankfully, the couple didn’t think of going for a chalet first before coming over for the BBQ. We only had 1 hour before the lights off, but luckily the guard closed one eye on us and allowed us to hang around till past midnite. But we needed the use the torchlight after the lights out since it was programmed.

Went for bowling after the BBQ. It was quite good to throw a few balls after some time since I’ve touched a bowling ball. Best thing is, no arm aching!

Nevermind that I caught a cold after that.

1, 2, 3…Surprise!!

Seriously.lack.of.sleep.

That’s why I say I try to avoid watching drama serials. They make me lose precious sleep. The other day I was just telling my colleagues that nowadays I can’t sleep before midnite. Which is baaaaaddd enough. Anyway, can fast foward since I’m watching on youtube, so I can skip the other bits.

And I’m towards the end of the show.

Despite my fatigue, I went shopping at NTUC last nite. We will be having a surprise bbq on Friday (seriously I duno the extend of the surprise I hope the birthday gal is not reading this – heh.) and I’m getting the food. Actually G offered to do it but I’m taking half of the whole mission while he’s getting the rest.

Now where to get the cake???

I am so excited about tomorrow. Will the surprise pull thru?

What happened on Saturday?

Went for a fren’s (actually knew both the bride and groom) wedding last Sat, onboard the Long Ranger.

Quite a unique place to be at. There were few activities onboard, eating almost the whole day, and with a very humourous Captain Blake.

Didn’t take much photos, because there were tons of cameras onboard, whether P&S or DSLR or phones.

Up in the sky you see

Red roses decked the yacht

There was also kayaking and other activities on the yacht. Enjoyed the atmosphere.

At nite met up with JH and went to watch Public Enemies. Was super tired by then slightly before midnite. I took forty winks coz really BTH. It was supposed to be quite good, but physical overcomes the mind.

Towards the end, it did catch my attention though.

The China Club dinner

My instincts were right.

Was invited to a special dinner and finally tasting the food at this exclusive place. The lamb rack has been talked about for the longest time ever.

I could get lost in the building, coz needed to change lifts twice and walk to the correct lift.

I was almost afraid to take photos coz the place looked so high class, and one table nearby us was taken. Like I was so suaku.

In the end, I took most of the photos without flash, thus explaining the grainy output.

Even this (the entrance) was taken on the sly…

There were several sets of menus to choose from, and we chose the Executive Set Dinner B for myself and he, the Seafood Themed Jade set.

The view was too beautiful to be passed up.

The CDL building wasn’t that tall. Just the reflection that gave the blue tinge on the top of the photo.

Last day before I go one year older

A very busy day to my last day before I add another candle to my cake.

Woke up very early for a non-work day for an important mission. A visit to Kwan Im Tong.

I wanted confirmation for the idea hatching in my mind for the past week from Guanyin Mah. And so I had to make the trip.

It was a super humid morning. Was there looking for Icybabe who was ‘hiding’ behind a bush. Still, the weather didn’t stop the crowd from thronging the temple early in the morning.

While waiting for the Paradizer to arrive, both of us started to ‘argue’ when is Fathers’ Day. 14th or 21st.

We sought advice from Guanyin Mah and I even asked twice coz I wasn’t very sure about the first divination lot. And because we needed to burn the divination paper, we took photos of it so that we can still analyse it later about what we asked.

My divination lots – slightly unsure of the first one, thus the second one came about

Then we went to look for food. It was basically a 1/2 hour search, coz the nearest one at Sunshine Plaza won’t be open till 10.30am (it was only just about 10am when we finished) so we walked thru the small streets to get to Odeon Towers.

Then dang dang dang~ it wasn’t opened yet. So we walked back again in time to Victor’s Kitchen, our initial choice.

We had some dim sum, and their infamous HK styled milk tea. Good idea to soak the cup in iced water to bring the temperature down, yet quality not affected by the melting of the ice because it’s melting outside the cup of tea.

We parted ways after the meal, and it was raining…:(

Enjoyable birthday weekend

I am seriously shagged.

I played hard for today, and worked hard for tonite.

Now my bones are aching. A nice hint about turning one more year older today.

Will upload photos soon for the 2 days I celebrated my birthday. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making my birthday this year so memorable, to feed me so much stuff over the past week, wishing me on facebook, and in planning a surprise for me.

And also, for the special dinner I had on Saturday nite.

The theme “surprise me” worked quite well. Maybe that will be the theme for my birthday every year, from now onwards.

Hehehe.

Surprise me

Eating eating.

Am having a horrible week. Not something good for my birthday week. But then, it’s always glad to have friends around you who listen to me rant.

I’m seeking some advice on Saturday. I hope that ’she’ gives the same advice of what I want to do.

Anyway, I had Sushi Tei last nite, at Paragon. The restaurant moved to another area at the same floor, but looks more classy and packed as usual. Changed my Longchamp bag to red. Finally I can use it.

I picked up some Clinique samples from Tangs also. My face seemed to be immuned to Decleor, so I’m thinking of switching to something else. At the moment, it feels good on my face.

Today, I went to this place called Feng Bo Zhuang (风波庄) at Temple Street. Basically it’s a place which they themed it as an inn, like those 武侠片, and they address you as 大侠 or 侠女. And food that they serve are names which you hear about in those drama shows.

Interesting, food’s not bad too.

It was a birthday treat from the Paradizer and Icybabe.

And they gave me a nice and sweet smelling present from Crabtree & Evelyn – an aromatherapy body care set.

Tomorrow, another dinner, but with some of the gang. This one, I really have no idea what to eat.

Saturday – G says we will go for dinner but ask me where I wanna go. And asked if I wanted it a surprise or not. Like that also can ask?

Maybe…China Club? The lamb rack there. Haha. My sixth sense.

Whether yes or no, doesn’t matter. Even if he brings me to a hawker centre/coffeeshop, I still can eat.

Basically, I really have got no special preference. I think it’s the company that’s more important then what I wanna eat.

My favourite quote of the week “Surprise me”, when they asked me what I wanna eat. I appreciate the special thought behind it.

Right?

Advance birthday celebrations

I sound like a duck now, due to my excessive coughing. But then, it was caused by myself too.

Didn’t really watch my diet last nite. It was the gang celebrating my birthday in advance for me, at Dallas Boat Quay.

I think their best items are their popular pork rack ribs and Barramundi fillet dish, coz the others didn’t really fancy what they ordered, though I should think everyone left the place with a full stomach.

I was surprised at the final bill though, coz I expected more. Most of us ordered the set dinner, which came with a full-of-goodness clam chowder for the starters’ section, amongst others.

Oh, the appetisers were nice though. Breaded mushrooms (was their bar food), fried wings, calamari, and mango, chilli, prawn salad (can’t remember the full name).

And and and, their dallas cheesecake. I liked it coz it didn’t taste like the others. It wasn’t sweet, and had a saltish cheesy taste. Must try!

We adjourned to Pan Pacific Hotel for some drinks, where they had this $10nett martinis.

And then, I had the second dose of cheesecake. BH tried to dissuade me from taking the cheesecake for the set dinner menu but the other one was brownie, which will be fatal for my throat. Nevermind, I like cheesecakes anyway, not to mention it was the famed cheesecake from Hilton Hotel.

Yes, I was feeling full the whole nite.

After the drinks, some of us went to buy dog food at this shop at Serangoon which opens only at nite till about 1am and sells his stuff cheaper than most places. So I went along to see what I could find. Ended up with a bag of kibbles and some canned food and treats. Yes, was cheaper.

I went to bed last nite with a full full tummy.

Happy 2nd Birthday Caramel!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARAMEL!!!!

Malacca trip, exercise and Dallas @ Boat Quay

Today’s Wednesday! Yay!

One more work day and it’s to Malacca. Haaaaa~ This is just so so so nice.

I played badminton last nite but I think I exerted quite a lot of strength on my legs coz the court was slippery. One of the guys who played with us seemed to be perspiring thru his shoes.

In the end, my thighs were aching big time, and I think I will go to Malacca with sore legs.

But it was great! Though I slept quite late last nite, I was quite awake this morning (can’t guarantee the same after lunch though) and I knew I concussed immediately last nite the moment I tried to fall asleep.

I drove my sis’ car coz she has got season parking at her place, which is near the court. Plus the car was not driven since last Thu and I needed to go warm it up.

Oh ya, I have yet to talk about the dinner for the gals at Dallas @ Boat Quay on Monday. I chanced upon this thru the hungrygowhere website and after seeing how ladyironchef had described it, I thought we should go and try. Plus the Paradizer likes pork a lot.

I didn’t take any photos coz the Paradizer did and I thought might as well pinch her photos.

Like these:

Photo credits: Paradizer

The pork ribs (bottom left) were really really really succulent and tender. And I thought that would even be suitable for WK who is braced up. Yes, it’s that soft. And even though their signature dish was this Barramudi Fillet (bottom right), I thought the pork was better.

The Green Mango Salad (top left) was like the Thai Style salad. Sour strips of mango with greens. Nothing too impressive, and I thought the mango strips were cut too thin. But it was very sour, so probably that was the reason why they cut it so thin.

The other appetizer that we had was the calamari (top right). They came in rather big pieces, and in a big portion. I think if there were less people the calamari might suffice to fill half the tummy.

There was also this grilled chicken with coriander (top centre) which was pretty good. Especially the mashed potato that came with it. In fact, their potatoes were done quite good. The wedges with the barramudi fillet, though were big, but were super crispy. And the fish was paired with this mayo sauce which I think had some garlic (I think) or something which was mixed in there. That sauce was better than the calamari sauce. Should put that sauce for calamari too.

Then come to the pork shoulder rack (bottom left). We ordered a full one, coz we wanted to share among the 6 of us. As I had mentioned earlier, it was soft and comes off the bone easily. Even C who didn’t like to cut meat racks because she feels it too tiring, felt easy hacking the meat up for this.

We finished everything. Though half the people were still full from the lunch and cake in office we wiped off everything.

And the bill comes up to less than $20 each for 6 of us. Not to mention that there will be ½ price for dinner before 7.30pm on Mon-Thu, and every Mon & Tue, the pork shoulder rack is at ½ price (original $20 (half) and $28 (full)). We realized the former offer and quickly made the order few minutes before 7.30pm actually. Haha. Anyway, only one offer is valid, so we chose that too coz the discount was bigger.

Overall, the food is quite good. Portions are big too, and the pub downstairs was actually quite packed for a Mon nite. Do try it out, for I think that is considered a good find at Boat Quay where most of the restaurants are relatively expensive (as in value-for-money) and not so tasty.

Part 1 – In preparation to the wedding

It was amazing that things just went past like that for the weekend….

Yes, my sis is finally and officially Mrs. And I didn’t know that being a driver can get so tired.

Friday I was just doing my nails at Buff Nail Lounge, and it was raining. I spent some time relaxing there and then took up another nail package (oh wells). All of us were more worried about the pigs that would be placed at the front of the bonnet rather than anything else. Why? Coz they went a long way. Since the ring bearers at the ROM till now. They were slightly worn out, but still looking great.

Anyway, I went to collect the car at Parkroyal coz G was having a seminar there and guess what? I didn’t have to pay for the valet coz there were some ‘misunderstanding’ there.

I was slightly surprised at the decorations of the car, coz there were no sash ribbons on the bonnet and back of the car. The lady explained that because they requested for fresh flower display on the front of the car, there will be no sash front and back. Anyway, I think the pigs did up for more than that.

The florist had 2 nice dogs with her and they came running to me when I entered the place. I think it’s the dog smell on me.

When we went off, it was drizzling slightly and I actually had a hard time getting a space at home for unknown reasons. Thankfully my dad arrived home around the same time and he looked after the pigs at the carpark while I went home to put the corsage flowers. We were worried that the pigs might get stolen.

And I had to go to G’s home immediately after that because he left the keys in the car, which is the car I was driving. But it was also good because we can’t possibly stay in the carpark for a good few hours and look after the pigs.

As it looked like it might rain again, I covered the pigs and ribbons on the doors with plastic bags, which looked quite comical and that I FORGOT to snap some pictures.

Then I went home in my car with Caramel to do up the decorations, pack my stuff for the next day and go over to G’s place again. Come to think of it, it was good that I left from G’s place for the pickup of my bro-in-law coz it seemed a bit weird to depart from the bride’s place to the groom’s place and back to the bride’s place.

…to be continued

Missed out

Being busy for the weekend, I missed out taking a lot of photos. Missed out taking a photo for the wrapped pigs and ribbons (see next entry coming out soon), missed out taking a photo for the 3 of us sisters, missed out taking a photo for me with the sis and bro in law, missed out taking  a photo of their suite rooms, missed out taking photos for the reception (coz when I was done with my makeup and hair it was quite late already and it was already crowded when I got down to the ballroom), missed out taking a photo of my hairdo and back (sob, coz I duno how I looked from behind).

I think some might have been captured by the photographer. I hope so.

Everyone’s so tired

Tired…been sleeping late for the past 2 nites.

2 nites ago I had stayed up to do a poster for G. Because I needed to go buy something before that for my mum, I started quite late. Was getting a bit frustrated already coz the Photoshop seemed to be a bit dumb (maybe it was me – haha). By then I finished it it was about 2am.

Then last nite my sis came back with a lot of barangs and threw some work to us. At midnite. Haha. Luckily we were not sleeping yet. She threw me a whole lot of flowers so that I can do the jiemeis‘ corsages, while my elder sis was tasked to wrap the angpow box nicely. Then she went to sleep coz she had been sleeping very badly for the past month due to her work shift plus the wedding preparations. Even my bro-in-law who dropped by looked visibly fatigued. First time I’ve seen him like this.

And yeah, my mei mei is one last minute queen. Suddenly they asked me for the ROM video I made, and though I know it’s in my harddisk, I cannot recall at all where it’s kept. So I just gave them my harddisk and tell them to go search for it.

“Last time, when we get married, we do the hair up at night and then after that can’t go to sleep anymore“, my mum said to me. I told her that she will not be able to go to sleep tonite too coz she will be busy with household chores, making tangyuan and then get too excited to sleep.

“When people get married, either they eat tangyuan or egg”.

” I don’t like egg. Pls make tangyuan for me, ok?”

Haha…like that also can. Can choose.

More things to do tonite. Like decorating the place and making sure that things are in order and ready for tomorrow.