Love for Life + Other Simple Pleasures

So long since my last update!

2010-07-20T09:39:00.002+08:00

It had been a long time since my last update here.

Lots of happenings....
Got my 1st full bonus on the job! Gt a slight payrise!
Secured SQ airtix for Fall trip to Japan with Mum! (in the midst of planning my 2 weeks' itinerary)

July - Visited and Enjoyed Universal Studios SG!!
Bestie's b'day coming up later this week..

Aug - 5th anniversary with the Boy..
& looking forward to the National Day Holiday!

Sept - Will be attending 2 concerts - Elva's & Eason's..(YAY!)
Plus short weekend break to Hong Kong with my ex-colleagues!

I better speed up on my Spring vacation pics uploads before new pictures pour in! I'm SO DARN SLOW!!!

Back to work now!

Training starts NOW!!

2010-06-02T18:44:00.002+08:00

Official Training starts now...

i'm not going into details just yet.
But i'm planning to do something that I will remember for the rest of my lifetime.
in the Summer of 2011.....
=)

Happy B'day to Me @ Redang Island

2010-05-25T11:20:00.004+08:00

Heading to Redang Island yet again in a few hours' time.. (its' supposed to be Bali with the Boy but we got to forgo our airtix due to his work commitments - SOBS!!)

I have been to 'Paradise' just last June. with the same company. lolx~

Just love the stunning beaches + wonderful marine life found there.

I hope the weather will not a killer and i would at least spot a turtle this time ?

I will be back coming Friday night!

Happy short work week !~

Japan Spring Break

2010-05-05T18:43:00.081+08:00

some pictures to show some of the highlights of my Spring Vacation in Japan recently.
Areas covered : Osaka, Himeji, Kobe, Kyoto, Tokyo, DisneyResort, Kawaguchiko

back from Japan

2010-04-26T13:06:00.003+08:00

It's 2 weeks since i came back from my vacation in japan.

It was fabulous.

Everything about japan was wonderful.

Love the experience, the sakuras, the food & everything else.

Gosh. i'm starting to miss Nippon land now.

Thinking about a autumn year end trip with my parents.

Looking around for good airticket promotions for now.

My Bali trip with the boy is cancelled.

Boy's busy and he decides to forgo out already-purchased airtix.

Of course i'm pretty sad about it but i'm heading P.Redang once again!

YAY as Angela just informed that the agent managed to secure rooms for us!

Same resort we stayed at last year. This time poolview rooms by the way!

I gotta rush to finish uploading all my pix from japan Fast!

Took about 2000 shots?

*went crazy snapping*

its the PEAK season at work again.

will be stressed up for the next 2 weeks' i think?

arghh,not looking forward to work!!!

*pic taken by a very good friend of mine - Thanks Amy*

日本plan # 10 - Wrapping up research for the BIG TRIP !

2010-03-25T19:18:00.003+08:00

Finally after 7-8months' of planning, the BIG TRIP is finally tomorrow!
Still have a couple of things' to finalise tonight before we embark on the 2 weeks' journey.

i'm 80% done with my packing. (have to continue on that after i post this)
My luggage is almost filled to the brim that I'm wondering if I can afford any space for shopping in Japan!
i 've also changed 'hopefully-enough' YEN to last through the 2 weeks'.

BTW- Gotten a beautiful kimono + disneyland hk item from barbara+mono when i met them up early this Tuesday during their trip to SG.
BIG THANK YOU (if u're reading this) - i Love the kimono!
Now theres' a reason to pack along a blythe doll !
BUT who??
hmm..... i have 4 girls shortlisted so far!
I will try to decide before i go to bed tonight...

Another day of work tmr and its' a LONG BREAK from work!
really looking forward to that !!
SUPER EXCITED & i think i might not be able to sleep later....

* 1 MORE DAY to JAPAN SPRING VACATION *

Countdown : 8 more days !!!

2010-03-18T22:21:00.005+08:00

I can't believe that the BIG SPRING JAPAN VACATION is happening just next week !!!

YAY for another 6 more working days to my long leave off work.

Done with getting all the stuff I need for the 2 weeks' trip.

& Thanks to Felicia - now that i have more jackets to pack ! (just lug a big bag from her place!)

it's about time i start packing my luggage!

*pix from japan-guide.com*

The 'All-Nippon' Experience - My list!

2010-03-10T19:40:00.002+08:00

My big Spring vacation is in another 15 days!
Well, worked out what I wanna do / experience on my 1st Japan holiday!!

Here goes..

Crusing along the waters of Japan.
Neo-Prints in Tokyo!!
Checking out the Cosplay-ers on a Sunday @ Yoyogi
Themed Restaurants in Tokyo!
Get Lost in Osaka underground malls
Get Lost in Japan's ultra-complicated Rail System
Seeing Pinks - Shades of Spring
All-Jap meals !!! YAY!!!
Japanese Technology Toilets
The Futon Experience
Metropolitan TOKYO!!
Seeing Mount Fuji
Geisha Sighting in KYOTO,Gion
Witness the biggest sea mammal (in captivity)
Going through countless Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha
The Legendary Kobe Beef !!
Witness Tsukiji Tuna Auction
Make your own Nissin Cup
Immerse in the heart of Traditional Japan @ KYOTO
Experience the Shinkansen
Having Bento Box Meals onboard the Shinkansens (just like those on Japan Hour on TV)
Take the ferris wheel
Visit JP world heritage sites
Do Hanami !!
Having Sushi / Sashimi at Tsukiji
Onsen ? (not sure if i have the time / opportunity to visit one this trip?)
Fun Fun Fun @ Disneyland,DisneySEA and Universals !
Vending Machines' Galore !!!

Pray that i see the SAKURAS

2010-03-10T19:36:00.001+08:00

Estimated Best Viewing Periods for SAKURA

Tokyo
March 27 to April 5

Kyoto
March 28 to April 6

Osaka
March 29 to April 6

(Info As of March 10, 2010)

日本plan # 9 - We gotten our JR Pass!!

2010-03-07T19:25:00.002+08:00

We're almost ready for the BIG SAKURA-SPRING trip to JAPAN!!
Paid for our Japan Rail Pass for 7-days, SGD450 at the local JTB.
Rail travel in Japan definitely don't come cheap!

Also browsed through the 3 theme parks that we will be heading the past week.
it looks like we should be able to complete Universal Studios Jp in a day.
not too sure about Disneyland & DisneySEA... there's tons of rides + showss!!

Next to-do on my list :
*Pack Luggage....
*Kobe attractions' list....

*18 more days to JAPAN!!!*

22 more days.. [preparation process]

2010-03-03T21:32:00.003+08:00

Things to do :
1. Purchase JR Pass (this Saturday!)
2. Change Yen
3. Kobe Daytrip Itinerary
4. Rail-Routes' Plan
5. Universals'/Disneyland/DisneySEA rides & attractions plan
6. Odaiba Evening Itinerary

Exactly 30 more days to my Japan trip !

2010-02-23T20:23:00.005+08:00

Super excited for my departure date to come...
i can't wait to experience Japan!
i can't wait to see the sakura blossoms!
i can't wait for my long leave off work!

woohooo... 30 more days to go !!!

*not my pictures - sourced from the www.*

日本plan # 8 - Kyoto Accomodation

2010-02-14T22:53:00.002+08:00

After some confusion on whether to change our initial reservation @ Tour Club,kyoto and some discussions with Mum and Amy. (my travel partner is currently holiday-ing in Beijing)
*Why didn't I thought of splitting up my 6nights' @ kyoto?!
hoho..... must be all that trip planning that made me gone BLUR!!*

Anyway, Have confirmed with the JP side that we'll stick to our first 4 nights' at Tour Club and for our last 2 nights' in the Kansai area, we will be checking-in @ Capsule Ryokan Kyoto which is their newest addition to the budget accomodation chain.

We'll have to pay a little more for our stay @ the newer building. (S$4 more per night/pax)
Capsule Ryokan will open its doors this Feb 23.
So why not try that out ?
The New always attracts! (i'm attracted by its sleek modern Shower & Toilet)

And why the last 2 nights....
That's because our last 3days will be at Kyoto base sightseeing. (if we stick to our trip plan!)

Just in case you'll be interested.
Links below:
Of Tour Club : http://www.kyotojp.com/photo.html
Capsule Ryokan : http://www.capsule-ryokan-kyoto.com/en/index.html

It's the 3rd day of the Lunar New Year!
Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone !!

Now Watching : The Woman Who Still Wants To Marry

2010-02-14T22:09:00.003+08:00

Adding on to my current kdrama list...

'The Woman who still wants to marry' is a drama about 3 mid-30s females.
Love the bonding between 3 friends who lives under one roof.

Men in their life. Wanting to get married. Friendship.

Currently @ Ep 8 and i LOVE Kim Bum as Ha Min Jae in the drama.

One of the reasons i'm watching!

another 8 more eps to go...

日本plan # 7 - Himeji Castle's in my itinerary

2010-02-08T22:59:00.003+08:00

Haven't been updating my JP research progress lately!
But GOOD NEWS !
my annual leave's approved and i can't wait till that day arrives!
44 more days to go.....

anyway, metup with dear Amy over the last weekend for a couple of hours.
She gave me 7 rolls of film *thankU* for my japan vacation and i bought her dinner!
We exchanged some tokyo notes and we should be meeting up in tokyo for 3 days.
I changed some YEN too. (half of my total intended amount first,the other half prior to my trip)

Did some minor alterations to my planned itinerary.
We will take some time to visit Himeji Castle on Day 1.
The castle will be partially closed until 2014 for major restoration.
I read that the exteriors will be covered by scaffolding, starting from April 12, 2010.
so i thought i better visit this sight or else i have to wait till after 2014!!

Not sure if i've shared it yet, but here goes:
14d 13n Kansai & Tokyo PLAN ! *Revised*

26/3 (Fri)

Depart SIN via SQ (2345hrs)
Overnight on plane

27/3 (Sat)

Arrival at Narita Termina 1 (0730hrs)
Exchange for JR Pass Tickets
Narita Express to Tokyo
Shinkansen from Tokyo > Himeji
Tour Himeji Castle
Shinkansen from Himeji > Kyoto
Check-in TOUR CLUB

28/3 (Sun)

JR Special Rapid from Kyoto > Kobe
KOBE

29/3 (Mon)

JR Special Rapid from Kyoto > Osaka
Osaka > Ikeda via Hankyu trains
Ikeda: Satsukiyama Park
Ikeda: The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum
Kema Sakuranomiya Park*
Osaka Castle
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Minami (Namba)

30/3 (Tue)

JR Special Rapid from Kyoto > Osaka
Universals Studio JP
Kita (Umeda)
Floating Garden Observatory (Umeda Sky Building); HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel

31/3 (Wed)

KYOTO
Arashiyama/Sagano Bamboo Forest

1/4 (Thu)

KYOTO (*i have removed Nara from our itinerary. Plan to spend more time exploring the grounds of Kyoto. i'll keep the nara deers for next time!)

2/4 (Fri)

Early AM : KYOTO Fushimi Inari
Chk-Out from TOUR CLUB
Shinkansen from Kyoto > Tokyo
Tokyo > Toukaisou Ryokan chk-in
Ueno/Asakusa/Sumida areas
River Cruise > Odaiba area

3/4 (Sat)

Shinjuku
Roppongi/Tokyo Tower/Aoyama Cemetery Park
Naka-meguro River*

4/4 (Sun)

Meiji-Shrine
Harajuku
Omote-Sando
Yoyogi Koen
Hachiko Statue
Shibuya areas

5/4 (Mon)

Disneyland
Naka-Meguro River*/Asakusa area

6/4 (Tue)

DisneySEA
Naka-Meguro River*/Asakusa area

7/4 (Wed)

Bus from Shinjuku > Kawaguchiko
KAWAGUCHIKO
Shinjuku Government bldg observatory

8/4 (Thu)

Tsukiji Tuna Auctions (i gotta wakeup early to witness this!)
Imperial Palace Gardens Area
Ueno/Asakusa/Sumida
Keisei Skyliner > Narita
Flight back to SIN

*next blog entry : the detailed attractions' list*

Hachiko : A Dog's Story

2010-01-28T21:47:00.002+08:00

Just came home from a movie with Mum.

Cried buckets!

Seriously touching.... haven't cried so bad at the movies!

Hachi's a perfect example of A Man's Best Friend.

Undying loyalty to his master.

*sobs*

thinking about it while typing makes me teary-eyed.

OK i shall stop here. For now.

To Add-On : Kdrama Fever !!

2010-01-17T16:26:00.003+08:00

While waiting for new eps for the new K-dramas to be uploaded....

Started watching 'Temptation of A Wife' on Friday.

Quite Addictive!

Currently at ep 14... plot is interesting.

Even though I have heard how the ending would be like!

Sux that work week is starting all over again!

Really getting pissed by my job already..
BAD MANAGEMENT.... PILING WORKLOAD....
enough to KILL your job!!

Well, at least i'm only doing a 4.5 days this week!

my 4.5hrs' Time-Off this Friday has been approved!
YAY!!

i'm heading to Batam with the Bestie & her bf.... and weekends with my bf !!

Am so looking forward to take lotsa photos - and definitely hoping to complete my film roll!!
Can't wait to finish up so i can send to the developers!! The sunflowers' from BKK is in that roll!!!

Crucial period now!!
Gotta save/budget the next few weeks b4 my japan trip!!

JP VACATION COUNTDOWN : 9 MORE WEEKS!!!
or
67 MORE DAYS!!!!

Now Watching...

2010-01-10T22:25:00.005+08:00

Yes!!!!
i'm still watching Kdramas religiously even after my favourite You're Beautiful ended!
(i'm so hoping for a season 2!)

i'm Back to watching Smile,You.
Have been missing out quite a number of episodes!
Okay, time to do some catching up!!
hmm... probably cos' the lead cast doesn't appeal much to me!
in fact,i prefer the supporting cast better. lolx

One my current fave!
Family Drama - Creating Destiny is rather good.
The leads have gotten together and the storyline has a little twist now.
i'm watching this regularly.
Total of 31eps, i'm now @ep24 (watching it now..)
Oh,did i mentioned? i love the leads btw!!

One of the latest dramas in Korea.
Pasta is on my 'To Watch' list !
Not sure why.
probably it gotta do with food, thus got me interested!
I've watched the 1st episode earlier this week but w/o subtitles on Youtube.
Seriously got no idea since there was quite alot of talking between the cast !
i'm gonna re-watch it on a new site that my Bestie Angeline recommended coming week!!

Ever since i started on YAB, i got to know of actor Jang Guen Suk (Hwang Tae Kyung in YAB!)..
I must say i got mesmerised by his charming smile, deep voice and style!
Have heard from people around me that his previous work, Beethoven Virus is worth watching!
So i'm gonna start on it ... like real SOON!

Still left hanging...Again!!

1. Vineyard Man

2. Painter of the Wind

日本plan # 6 - The Attractions/Sights List!

2010-01-07T20:38:00.005+08:00

Pictured : Nagoya Castle (from japan-guide.com)

i'M Back on-track to intensive JP trip research!!

The past week have been spent on looking at countless jp info, official tourism websites...

Plan is to get the detailed attractions' list to be up by this month!

Come 26th January, it will be another 2 More months to the BIG TRIP!!

As the departure date draw nearer, the more nervous/eager i get !

It seems i still have alot more to research on after I have come up with the detailed attractions' list for the respective cities that I've planned to visit.

I got the Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka full listing up!

Now have to work on the sidetrips to Kobe, Nagoya, Nara & Kawaguchiko!

Afterwhich I need another few more weeks to work on access/routes to the individual attraction spot.

That is alot of WORK !!

Glad that I have Amy.Huimei98 who is also heading JP for the sakuras this March!

At least we could 'discuss' some jp-related stuff. (she'll be in tokyo for 10days!)

We're planning to meetup to exchange some tokyo travel info prior to our departure dates.

Exciting !

Oh by the way, I chanced upon a travel blog yesterday.

Was reading through and i thought i MUST TRY the Ootoro Sashimi/Sushi & the legendary Kobe Beef (since i'll be heading Kobe~)...

But the Kobe beef meal doesn't come cheap - can go up to US$120 i read!

*Must start saving hard if I want to have Kobe Beef in KOBE*

hahaha~i'm starting to drool already...

ps: did i mention that my pink fuji-underwater camera died ?

probably wasn't switched on for ages!

Lucky thing it is still under 1year warranty.. have to send to service soon!

You can ignore this post

2010-01-07T19:06:00.006+08:00

Having to Work sux.... BIG TIME!!
especially when some co-workers' makes your life Hard!
wtf...are they borned like that or what...

Sometimes I wonder.... what if there is only a 3-days' workweek!
Then,maybe I would have loved to work.

Work in my opinion is just another source for income.
Income for my daily needs, shopping, good food and vacations.
Vacations to keep me going and to satisfy my constant crave for travelling.

Work is not where I love or would like to be.
I hate work.
i Hate the feeling of waking up to a Monday.

Just love the energised-ME once i step out of the office building.
Just love once the clock strikes knock-off time on a Friday.
And..
I would be so god-damn pleased if I could substitute all that 44hrs to 'my Free time!'
..
...
........

Just hours ago, a co-worker asked me.
'....so what's the plan ? do u plan on staying here permanently??'
I know she meant well.
BUT,Seriously, I have got no idea how to answer to that.
You can just say that i'm living my life aimlessly.
But at least I am holding a decent full-time JOB and I am Happy(with my life, NOT worklife!).
I am not the ambitious O.L..... F*ck the Career ladder climb.

That doesn't make me happy any bit!
Anyway, it's the beginning of yet another year on Earth.

Resolutions for the New Year. (very minimal!)
1. To have a 'Salad-Diet' at least thrice weekly.
2. Start on my driving lessons.
3. Save some money.

Happy New Year from Indo!!

2010-01-01T15:34:00.003+08:00

*Not my Picture-image grabbed from internet*'

Current Location : JavaBare . Batam Island,Indonesia

New year experience over at Batam, Indonesia was such an experience!!
We had an awesome time over at the Countdown Party up at The Peak @Vista Hotel.
Vista Hotel is situated at the tallest point in Downtown Batam.
Packed to the brim with locals & tourists alike. Last night's countdown was crazy!
the fireworks display was spectacular!! Everyone got hit by the fireworks' pellets i think...
hahaha... that part was NOT FUN though!
i puked....hahaa therefore unable to play the fireworks that we bought from the streets!
felt really terrible.... must be cos' i haven't been drinking for ages!!

Gonna play the fireworks tonight!
meeting up with Helmut and his gf for the 1st time later....
watching Alvin & the chipmunks shortly as well.

Be going back Sg , evening time tmr!!
2010 is SO gonna be a Great Year !!

GoodBye 2009, Hello 2010 !!

2009-12-31T11:36:00.001+08:00

Spending the last day of the year across the seas at Indonesia. Be back on Sat night or Sun morning!

Catching an evening ferry!
Am completely clueless about the NYE happenings going on at BTM though.. but i'm excited since you can purchase your own fireworks there!!

Re-started on my JP Spring trip research just a couple of days back!
its like happening in 80+ more days?!
i can't believe that i'm actually touring in JP in less than 3mths!!!

Alot more to research on...
need to write up a detailed itinerary since its our 'virgin' F&E trip to 'kawaii'land!
don't wanna screw up...

anyways,im' Real looking forward to 2010!
Not the work bit...but my personal life!
hoho!! i Plan to get my driving license too!!
2nd half-after my JP + Bali trips...

May Everyone have a GREAT YEAR AHEAD!
HAPPY NEW YEAR my friends!
Wishing all LOTSA JOY,HAPPINESS and LUCK!

loves,
nana

Merry Christmas !!

2009-12-23T23:05:00.002+08:00

Merry Christmas to All !

*just in case i don't have time to post an entry tmr*

24/12

Half-day at work and then Christmas Lunch with the Department !

meeting up with A. for a short while tomorrow for tea+sweets and...

Thereafter would be dinner with Mar. and a movie likely...

+ packing along my camera for xmas shots together with Mar!!

(just realised we do not have a decent Xmas shot YET !)

25/12

Hopping over to JB for a short retreat with Mar. on Xmas day!

Let's hope its' not too crowded!

My 1st time ever staying @ a JB hotel. (Yes-i will take pix!)

26/12

Evening - Steamboat dinner @ CY's! i Am looking forward to...

27/12

Cycling @ East Coast Park? (tentative)

Not sure if we have the energy to do so... we'll see!

Hmmm... looks like another PACKED long wkend for me..

i hope i dun tire myself out !!

loves ^ gd nite!!

FAST FORWARD : before the DECEMBER BKK trip..

2009-12-23T19:31:00.017+08:00

So s-l-o-w in my entries that i'm posting everything in one entry!!
hahaha.. i have way too many pictures in my PC now! Goodness!!
anyway, before i went on my bangkok vacation early this month.... November was a pretty busy month too...catching up with friends ,events, birthdays etc.
so here goes.. (the significant ones..)

1. Val's Pre-Bday Celebration Dinner !
Eat-Till-We-Puke @ KushinBo Ladies' Night Buffet
After-Dinner Drinks @Eski Bar
Had to do Val's celebration earlier this year as my travel date to BKK is on Val's actual birthdate!
Ooops... forgot when i was purchasing air tickets!!

@Suntec

@Eski bar

@Eski

@KushinBo Buffet

2. Huge LV Trunk Sighting !!
i Saw this on a FaceBook contact's page and went to check it out myself...

Fronting Ngee Ann City as advertisement for the expansion of the luxury boutique,

this definitely attracted a load of tourists happy-snapping away !

3. Happy 'Tree-Collecting'
I have a mini year-end project for myself.

To create a new FLICKR set titled 'Christmas is LOVE'...

Snapped Xmas Trees from around Singapore + during my recent Bangkok trip!

not many people around me know this since i don't publicise myself.

haha.. another 1 day to Christmas Day! (AND i have yet to finish uploading all my collected 'trees' so far!)

@Vivocity

4. Went to a Blythe Gathering! (AFTER SOO LONG!)
Yes, i went to a dolly gathering once again after MIA for such a long time!

I do acknowledge that my dolls are NEGLECTED!

I 've downsized my Blythe family a little... they are now at a decent number!

The gathering @ TCC,Changi Airport T3 was good ! A whole 4 hours ??

hehehe, but this was the only pic i took of my Blythe that day!

5. Batam 2d1n HopOver
Usual monthly trip to the Indonesian Island.

I love this place for its food+drink !!
Pictured : One of my favourite eats - Ayam Penyet !

@RIA

6. BBQ with the ex-KINO colleagues
Location : Pasir Ris Park

Food : Loads!!

Weather : Was REAL BAD! (1st time wearing a raincoat @ a BBQ~)

But Lucky thing,the company really made up for it !

@Prawns laced with Beer - YUMMY!!

7. Southern Ridges with the colleagues

Exploring the Southern Ridges on a Sunday!

We spent close to 5hrs' starting out from HarbourFront MRT station > Kent Ridge Park!

Ended the day with tea/dinner @ IKEA Alexandra.

Natalie, my mondrian joined me on the trail !

It was my 1st time exploring and i was impressed with Hort Park!
Henderson Waves was a tad disappointing... or maybe it was the scorching sun that spoilt everything!! hoho!!

Otherwise we had a good time !!

@henderson waves

it's that time of the year again...

2009-12-22T09:15:00.000+08:00

Time to Make Merry & be Jolly!!

I'm all done with buying all the Xmas Gifts...
Alot of damage to my pocket the past week!!
hhoho! Shopping for myself inclusive!!

So far, have done 2 Xmas Gifts' Exchanges..
1.I got my IKEA pillow that i've always wanted! (Thanks Carita - my Secret Santa from the KINO Exchange!)
2.MICKEY 2010 Organiser from CY (2nd time i picked her pressie!)
Two upcoming exchanges !! (yippy!!)

Have been feasting alot too since the beginning of this month! (in SG + in BKK!)
Kushinbo Buffets... International Buffets... Japanese Dining..Chinese... etc.
MUST DIET after all this!

Anw, it was my little bro's 21st last Sunday!
i Treated my family to Japanese dinner @Sakae on Sunday...'Neither did I buy anything for him nor pack him a red packet! hahaha...
Bought Mum the face cream she wanted for Xmas/Bonus Gift
- AND YESS...she was happy!!

Looking forward to Xmas Dinner with the Gals @ IL LIDO,SENTOSA this evening~!
*PIX SOON*

Loves!

One week AFTER

2009-12-15T08:53:00.000+08:00

it has been one week since i've got back from my short BKK trip with the poly pals!

BKK trip,though it was a short 4d3n was indeed a memorable one!!
One of my best BKK trip to date!
Good Food!! Good Experiences!! Good Company!!

Thanks to my online BKK contact,ipumug who offered me trip advice, suggestions & reserved a good table for us @Baiyoke!
(ps. the view was fab... with loads of fireworks' display in view of the King's Birthday!!)
+ BIG thankU to JiaHao who volunteered to be 'treasurer' of our travel group funds!!
your help was deeply appreciated!

I MISSS......BANGKOK!!
iMISS the super-spacious + comfy van ride from Airport to Hotel!

iMISS the times we stuffed ourselves with the buffet spreads!!

iMISS the experience+FUN on the express riverboat ride!!

iMISS the steep climb up Wat Arun with the gang (minus cy+zq cos' they were exhausted)

iMISS the sumptuous Shark'Fin/Chinese dinner spread @Chinatown -All thanks to ZQ+CY for the recommendation!

iMISS the thrill while on the tuk-tuks!!
(we rode twice on this trip.....)

iMISS the huge crowds,fireworks,parade floats,road closure @Khao San Road Area celebrating the King's Birthday..

iMISS the fields of yellow on our daytrip to Saraburi Province..

iMISS the views+good buffet spread at Baiyoke Sky Hotel at HALF-PRICE!! (cos' of a Fathers' Day promo..the thais celebrate Fathers' Day on the King's Birthday!)

iMISS the stunning Christmas decor/trees at the various malls! (the tree @ Centralworld was absolutely pretty!)

iMISS the Breathtaking night-time view of Bangkok Downtown from Vertigo @Banyan Tree over cocktails!
(the full moon that night was an added plus!!)

iMISS those times browsing through Chatuchak Weekend Market. (spent the longest time ever in this labyrinth and finally saw the pets' sections here! Thanks to bai!!)

iMISS the 2 fab meals we had @Fuji Restaurant!
Yummy Jap food for CHEAP!!

iMISS the Thai-style 'Getai' Live Music @ Suam Lam Night Market. hahah... it was amusing just watching them perform!

iMISSed the shopping @Platinum Mall!
(not enough time nor $$$ - we only had 2hrs' before rushing off to airport!)

...BACK TO REALITY SUX!
i miss vacations... i want vacations...
Can't wait for my next in March 2010!!
TO JAPAN!!!

taking a short break now..
recuperating from my cough/flu/sore throat/fever since i gotten back home frm BKK!

Back to JP research when the new year comes!!

BANGKOK - HERE i COME....AGAIN!!

2009-12-03T21:20:00.002+08:00

Whee~

i'll be in bangkok from 4 - 7 December !
Got an early morning flight to catch in a few hours' time!
Have a good wkend my friends & do lookout for Peektures when i'm back!!

iPray for good weather throughout our 4 days' there...
iPray that the sunflowers daytrip will be breathtaking!
iPray that my itinerary will workout alright!
iPray that i don't blow my budget !!!

Emma my LUCKY Goldie will be joining me on this trip!
blythe x vacation is LOVEEe!!
hohoho! =D

take care for now!

BANGKOK.... this friday!!

2009-12-01T19:43:00.004+08:00

photocredits @ ipumug

Humming to Xmas songs that my Dad is putting on as i'm typing this entry.. lalalala~!

Aahhh...today's the 1st of December !
a month more to a new year, 2010 !!
AND a few more days to BANGKOK baby..... !!!
(SUPER excited - can't wait to see the sunflower fields on Day 02....)

BIG THANK YOU to ipumug who gave me so much advice re. the sunflower fields that i'm planning to visit & much more ! i am super thankful !!

TO-PACK LIST
Blythe : Have Shortlisted Emma/Natalie/Michiyo...
Cameras : bringing my dslr , a spare digital & my trusty film Vivitar ~!
Toiletries : Checked!
Currency & Passport : Checked!
Itinerary : Checked! (I'm hoping my itinerary will workout well~!!)

4d3n BANGKOK TRIP PLAN
Day 01:
4-faced buddha (erawan shrine?)
Riverboat Ride
Chinatown
Grand Palace
Wat Pho
Wat Arun*
Khao San Road*

Day 02:
Daytrip to Saraburi Province (Sunflowers!!!)
Baiyoke Sky Dinner Buffet
After dinner Drinks @ Vertigo / Sirocco

Day 03:
Pratunam Wholesale Area
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Suam Lam Night Market

Day 04:
Platinum Mall
CentralWorld

My Objective for this BKK trip : Photography,Sightseeing
i wanna take loadss of beautiful pix pls!
=)

[Kdrama] YAB finale !!

2009-11-28T00:24:00.003+08:00

Just completed Ep16 of You Are Beautiful (YAB) !!
its' a pity that such a wonderful series had ended so quickly!

long time since i actually saw such a good series - my last being Shining Inheritance?

Love Hwang Tae Kyung Oppa...... (All-rounder! he's awesome!! Love his singing in this drama!!!)

Shin-Woo...

Jeremy....

Must admit I LOVEEEE A.N.JELL !!!

(gosh... i sound like a high-school girl now!)

For those that have yet to catch it, PLEASE DO START !

It's definitely on my BEST KDRAMAS' LIST - and possibly my BEST 2009 kdrama!
<3

Must skydive this 2010 !!

2009-11-25T13:28:00.000+08:00

hoho,

metup with dear Stace last evening.
-shop for Val's bday pressie
-ramen dinner at Aoba,Ion Orchard

Talked about Skydiving up in Segamat,Malaysia.
Stace got a friend who just did a jump....and looks pretty interested to try it herself!

i'm DEFINITELY KEEN !!!
trying to psycho Val so we could plan a trip there to JUMP!
hoho.... val's bday celeb with stace + MM this evenng!
=)

so many activities to do/learn!
skydive... diving... bike touring... etc.

BKK RESEARCH !

2009-11-17T22:28:00.002+08:00

wheeee~
heading to Bangkok in 2 weeks' 3 days time!
in the midst of doing research + help to head to the sunflower fields.

thanks to ipumug for the PMs. it kinda helped me abit.
Rail is an experience (since i've nvr taken long distance trains in BKK b4!)
but i think there' s only a time-slot @ 0640AM - i don't think my travel mates would like that!!
Hahaa

i have also emailed the hotel that we'll be chkg-in and asked if they provide transport services.
Thankfully they do!
@ S$28/pax. pretty reasonable for a daytrip.
considering its a 2-3hrs drive (one-way).

Waiting for a couple of email replies b4 i make my decision!
Great its midweek tmr - To the KittyLAB @ EXPO !!!

We're HEADING BALI !!!

2009-11-12T23:27:00.003+08:00

*not my pic* spotted@flickr

Christmas comes early for me...or should i say my B'day?!

....
.....
.........

....anways, the BF is bringing me to Bali during my b'day week next year!
i'm ELATED + there is so much for me to look forward to in 2010!!
i'm actually happy to know that 2010 is in 1.5mths+ time??

BALi trip will be from 25-29 May.

Short trip i know! BUT - heck,who cares!
my first time celebrating my birthday overseas!

wooHOO!!!~

Looks like there's more Travel Research+Planning to do!!
i'm gonna be busy for the next couple months....

日本plan # 5 - All accomodation settled!

2009-11-11T11:36:00.000+08:00

I have settled all our accomodation for our JP trip!!

First 6 nights' will be@ KYOTO Tour Club (http://www.kyotojp.com/)
Thanks to Amy who introduced me to this.
Booked the twin/japanese style room with attached bath/toilet.
Ryokan is looking good from the online pix!

Our next 6 nights' will be@ Asakusa Ryokan Toukaisou!(http://www.toukaisou.com/index.html)
Thanks to Isi on my flickr contacts' stream who introduced this!
Will not be staying at the initial planned IKEBUKURO area..
instead will be chkg in at Tokyo's Traditional district.
this will be another Jap-styled room w/Attached bath/toilet!
cheap CHEAP!!

+ PLUS!
Good news! Amy will be heading to Tokyo + chkg-in to the same ryokan as me!!

Now that accomodation is settled, can sit back + relax for awhile before proceeding with my research for jp attractions again!
=P

ION X Lee Hom

2009-11-09T22:42:00.007+08:00

@ 23 October 2009
Accompanied Mum & Aunt to ION Orchard.
Official Mall Opening Ceremony.

the newest kid on the block - ION Orchard

[after the opening fireworks' display]

eye candy!!!

Lee Hom was present for the mall's official opening ceremony as well !!
double JOY

Bake!! Angie's 21st

2009-11-09T22:30:00.006+08:00

Baked my 2nd Strawberry Charlotte Cake to celebrate angie's 21st @ office !!
this time did a mini version... haa..
loved the box I've managed to find @ Daiso! its LOVE!!
the punnet of strawberries were a disappointment.... my cake turned out 'uneven'!

Nevertheless, hope U like what we've prepared,Angie dearie !!

BB Wayne's 1st month//Angie 21st//Bike-City+Sentosa Route

2009-11-09T21:51:00.009+08:00

17 October 2009 :
Was a busy day for me!

Was invited to a buffet lunch @ her place.
her sis-in-law just gave birth to cute BB Wayne!
he slept the whole time i was there!!
sweet !

Afterwhich i head back to Paya Lebar to meet Wendee.
Was almost an hour late! (so sorry,W!)
Cabbed down to East Coast Park to the Goldkist Resort where Angie held her 21st party!
Reminds me of my 21st..... how time flies!

my fellow co-workers

*LUCKY*birthday gal + her pressies!!!

After the BBQ party, walked to ECP area C to meet my bike kakis for our usual monthly ride.

XP's colleague,Rachel joined us this time!

Our group of 4 biked from ECP - F1 Race tracks - SG flyer - Esplanades - Lau Pa Sat - Harbourfront (supper stop) - Sentosa Island - Back to ECP

Start Time : 9.40pm

End Time : 6.50am ,the next morning

sad to say, we won't be meeting for overnite cycling this month (& probably next too!)
i'm busy all wkends this month... xp+sharon will be travelling next mth and its the festive season too!

Next ride : January 2010 i guess ?

...And here comes December !!

2009-11-05T21:47:00.000+08:00

I can't believe that December is next month !!!
Shocked to know that it's here so quickly, but on the other hand...
it's My happiest month of the year..

WHY?

i'm simply looking foward to December cos'.... there are many reasons to!
(1) It's the year-end festive season soon.
Time to make merry+feasting+giving
Catching up/dinner parties/gatherings/xmas parties.... Here i come!!

(2) the streets and malls along Orchard Rd are the prettiest at this time of the year with the fancy xmas decorations + huge xmas trees... (i spy more this year with the new malls!)
AND.... i read on the papers that they are extending the lightup/decor all the way to Marina/Suntec Area!!!

(3) it's my little bro 21st birthday !
Turning '21' was special for me... now its' my bro's turn..
ahhh... i'm still not decided on what to get for him.

(4) super LONG weekend holidays come DECEMBER !!!
lets' see... we have xmas eve + new year eve on Thursdays !!! which means 3.5days of Weekend!
Pity that i'm not taking advantage of the long wkend to Travel......
*blame it on my BIG Spring vacation next March*

(5) BKK with the poly gang !! (first week December)
my 1st time travelling with them... time to shop+eat till 'WE' drop@ the Land of thousand Smiles!!

(6) FAT PAYCHECK month is in December !!!
Yeesssss....my 1st full bonus! i'm Definitely over the moon.... BUT,
a huge percentage of it will go to my Spring Vacation Fund.
it's about time i start saving up for my 2weeks break.

(7) Time to think about my new year resolutions and to reflect back on the previous year.
Life's too short not to live happy & healthy.
Everyone have their own perspective of Life.
(I bet everyone's interpretation of it is different!)
What is Life to you ?

(8) MOVIES/BLOCKBUSTERS !
I love the movies that are screened during the festive season.
Most usually with a sense of warmth/comfort/endless humour.
.... and that Christmas Spirit !

(9) X'mas Gifting
What i LOVE most about the xmas season is shopping for gifts for my sweets!

In my dictionary,

Giving = Happiness (minus the $$ factor)

Well, this year, I can't afford to splurge.... (Sadly,cos' of my upcoming trip!)
HAVE to shop within my budget.

(10) Wishlist-Making
I must say that I have gotten everything I've wanted in my wishlist so far.
(minus the long list of countries that i want to visit!)
So its' time to make new ones!

CHECKED!
The Canon dslr that I've got a while back was the most desired item I ever wanted.....
CHECKED! The new mobile to replace my 2 months' old LG. Thanks to my Mar!
CHECKED! The LV Damier neverfull that I liked. (even though i kinda regretted buying it now)
CHECKED!
Air Ticket to Tokyo/Narita via SQ A380 (U know how that feels - its my 'virgin' trip to JP!!!)

Well,thats about it. (if not what I can think of !)
My bulk of deadlines @work are cleared. Gone are the weeks of hectic work!
At least I can take a breather now !!

TGIF tomorrow!
Dinner @ Val's place after work....

New Mobile / November 2009

2009-11-03T10:01:00.000+08:00

dearie got me a new mobile!
Thanks baby!

I'm going to the Kitty Lab Event @SG Expo~!!

2009-10-28T19:17:00.000+08:00

Long Live Hello Kitty !!

my favourite cat since primary school days.
this cutie will be in Singapore come November for a Kitty Lab Event at the Expo.
Have just bought our admission tickets this afternoon..
i'M Heading there with Angie+Wendee!

I can't wait for November to come!!
its' SO gonna be a busy month......

New cam addition : Canon 450D

2009-10-27T19:30:00.000+08:00

Ta-dah.... Here's my latest camera addition!

Got this baby last weekend and still in the midst of learning how to use this.

it's just like entering another level - its sooo different from the conventional digi cam!

Abit not used to taking pix through the viewfinder (which is a must for this slr!)

Now, i have 5 more mths to learn how to handle this before I head to Japan !!

Existing Camera Count : 3 digitals , 3 films

November Happenings SG : Kitty Lab !

2009-10-27T09:11:00.000+08:00

http://www.kittylab.com.sg/

It's happening 14.11~29.11 @Singapore Expo Hall 1.
wondering what is it..
but i'm sure it will be kawaii,kawaii + more kawaii ~!!

Asking around if any is interested to go with me.
admission tickets@ $35/wkdays,$38/wkends.

日本plan #4 - 6N in Tokyo !

2009-10-25T14:47:00.000+08:00

its like another 5 months to our big trip to jp!!
Our deadline for booking our 6nights' stay @ tokyo will be November.
Afterwhich, can concentrate on planning out our itinerary !
Have been looking at tokyo accomodations + Tokyo Metro map. ( my eyes went O.o )

i'm currently shortlisting a few .
-Asakusa Area
-Ikebukuro Area
-Ueno Area

Pointers to note：
1. Easy access to most of the spots we wanna visit in Tokyo. (to save on rail transport)
2. Cheap! (we're on budget travelling)
3. With Attached Bath/Toilet

Tentative Spots We Plan to visit in Tokyo:
*Ueno Park
*Asakusa/Sensoji Temple/Sumida Park/River
*Tsukiji Market + Tuna Auctions (if we can wakeup in time)
*Disneyland + DisneySea
*Shinjuku / Shinjuku-koen
*Shibuya
*Harajuku / Yoyogi-koen
*Omote-Sando
*Roppongi / Tokyo Tower
* Naka-Meguro River Night Sakura Lightup
* Ikebukuro
* Ginza
**Side Daytrip to Fuji-Kawaguchiko / Kamakura Area

Will I get to see these this December ??

2009-10-22T11:28:00.000+08:00

(photo credits @ AllenHsu on Flick)

As you know, I will be heading to Bangkok again this December !

This time with the poly gang ! (our 1st trip together)

I'm hoping to catch the Sunflower Festival up in Lopburi Province.

Still have not heard from my online thai friend regarding the rail.

Guess i Have to some 'homework' on my own first.

Countdown : 5 more weeks to BKK ~

Currently Watching ...

2009-10-21T21:13:00.000+08:00

SMILE,YOU (Kdrama)

YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL (Kdrama)

Autumn Concerto (Tw Drama)

Loving all of it !

NO complains... episodes are all exciting !

Go watch it for yourself ~

Smile You + U're Beautiful are 2 of the better ones after Shining Inheritance !

super funny !!!!

Autumn Concerto pretty much has a predictable storyline

but its a tad different from the other tw dramas I've seen.

kinda old-skool 'feel' i get!

I'm still stuck with soo many 1/2way through dramas to add on.......

- Gourmet *3-4eps more to finale*

- Painter of the Wind *1/2 way*

- Vineyard Man *1/2 way*

日本plan #3 - JAPAN BIG TRIP !

2009-10-20T11:44:00.000+08:00

YAY !!

We've secured our kyoto accomodation!
have gotten the confirmation email!
One down~ we'll be staying @ Tour Club,Kyoto for 6 nights.
Have decided to stay 6n in kyoto and make daytrips to osaka/nara/kobe etc.

Now,time to confirm our tokyo accomodation for the remaining 6 nights !

Well, i'm getting a new toy this coming wkend as well - partially for this trip!
more updates dears !!
=)

Family Pets / October 2009

2009-10-20T11:30:00.000+08:00

'Fatty' - trying out a broccoli (she loves it !)

Hebe + Ella (my 2 lovely red-eared sliders)

random

Road Trip : Barelang.Batam

2009-10-20T10:18:00.000+08:00

during my last wkend to batam earlier this month,
we set off on a roadtrip to Barelang!
took us almost 3hrs to & fro
Sadly - we still couldn't find that nice beach! (melur beach i heard)
But, nice views along the way though!!

Barelang Bridge - my fave place in batam
one of the many plantations we saw along the way

my drink - Zest Green Tea

kelong-restaurant with a view!

stim-udang / steam prawns

(just one of the many dishes that we ordered!)

MOS Burger : Makes My Day !

2009-10-20T09:29:00.000+08:00

random

Bai's B'day + Sentosa

2009-10-20T09:12:00.000+08:00

peach cheesecake/bai's bday dinner celebration

the birthday boy & his cake

usual us

after-dinner fun+drinks+B&J @ Sentosa

My October BAKE : Peach Cheesecake

2009-10-20T08:51:00.000+08:00

this was my 3rd time making this delightful chilled cake.

No bake is required!

Fast & Easy - and yummy to add on !!

base - crushed digestives + butter

centre mixture - cream cheese + sugar + whipped cream + gelatine

topping - slice peaches + JELLO

F1 mania in SG !!!

2009-10-16T13:56:00.000+08:00

finally a chance to get to see f1 live in action this year !

glad to have bought the Fri Walkabout pass at a good price !

experience was Fantastic !!

enjoyed myself loads....... next year's a must-GO as well !!!

[ more pix will be uploaded to my flickr account soon ]

September Ride : 26th Sept 2009

2009-10-16T13:25:00.000+08:00

Overnight Route : 0830pm - 0630am (the next day)

East Coast Park > Indoor Stadium > Kallang > Lavender > Bugis > IBIS Hotel Toilet Break > Liang Court > Chinatown > Tg Pagar > KTM Station > Harbourfront > River Valley/Esso Toilet Break > Orchard Rd > Bugis > Breakfast @ Kallang 24hr Macdonalds > BACK to ECP

....another biking overnighter tmr !!

wheee ~~!!

It's Official - My Mobile 's Dead !

2009-10-11T21:10:00.000+08:00

Thanks to the heavy downpour during our trek yesterday @MacRitchie....
My mobile which apparently is only 3months' old is DEAD!
I 'm feeling pretty bad since it was a b'day gift from Angeline...
I lost quite a couple of contacts - AGAIN!

Why does such misfortune happen when I need to saveup ?!?!?
What a bad weekend !!

To the Concerts !

2009-10-08T10:55:00.000+08:00

Super long time since i attended a classical concert !
well, I will be attending two concerts this Oct + Nov with Mum~

Winterreise on the 13th Oct @ the Esplanade Recital Studio
This was recommended by my piano tutor - since I'm currently playing this.

Synopsis:
Young Musicians' Society presents baritone Eng Meng Chia as he returns home to reprise the role of the wanderer in Schubert’s Winterreise. Considered to be one of the greatest song cycles ever written, Schubert here raises the importance of the pianist equal to that of the singer – a role suitably fulfilled by none other than Shane Thio.

Based on a cycle of twenty-four poems by Wilhelm Müller, Winterreise maps the journey of a love-spurned wanderer. The harsh elements of the winter landscape echo his desolation and his solitude is magnified with each creature he encounters; never another human till the end.

VIENNA BOYS' CHOIR
We'll be seeing some cute little boys this Nov 7 at the Esplanades~
Have been hearing alot about this choir.
Looking forward to hearing them live.

SYNOPSIS:
The world’s favourite children’s choir, capturing the hearts of audiences around the world for generations, is set for two special concerts at the Esplanade.
The Vienna Boys’ Choir’s 400-year-old tradition is celebrated annually with an Asian tour to capital cities.

The choir updates its repertoire regularly, and today’s programmes include everything from medieval motets to Beatles and Celine Dion, from folk songs to film scores. In recent years, they have performed with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Friendship

2009-10-07T23:06:00.000+08:00

謝謝 ,好朋友 !

you know who you are... a whopping 17-years of friendship!

I remember the times when we did silly antics together..
I remember all the nice cafes-shops etc. we went to all these years..
I remember all the memories we had during our 6 years in primary school..

Looking forward to the wonderful + memorable years ahead!
Our next trip together...
And to celebrating our 20th year anniversary - hehehee~!

Thank you My dear Friend !

日本plan #2 - Hiroshima/Miyajima ?

2009-10-07T09:54:00.000+08:00

Should i make a daytrip down to Hiroshima/Miyajima during my Spring'10 trip?

haix. It's about 120min from kyoto>hiroshima via JR trains. (one-way)
another 35mins by ferry to Miyajima Islands.
Travelling by rail will take the bulk of my day! should i ?
is it worth it to travel all the way down just to see the Itsukushima Shrine??

i'm still in the midst of planning for kyoto/osaka accomodation.

Still deciding whether:-

(1) to stay 6n throughout in kyoto and use Kyoto as a base for daytrips to Osaka/Kobe/Nara etc.

(2) to stay 4n in Kyoto and 2n in Osaka (side trip to Wakayama)

...another few weeks for me to decide how many nights' stay to reserve @ the respective hostels/hotels!

Hello World !

2009-10-05T22:04:00.000+08:00

i'M Back from Batam !

Went over for Susy's birthday celebrations, pass mooncake to Mar's family etc..

I had a great time, though short.

Sat 3/10

- Susy's B'day Dinner @ Swiss-Inn Hotel

- 'Surrogates' Movie @ BCS Mall (not bad... )

- Live Music/Drinks @ The Peak, Vista Hotel

- Late-night Soto supper @ Lamongan (i ate cumi goreng tepung though! -lolx)

Sun 4/10

- Road trip to the 7 islands via Barelang Bridge!

- 'Kelong' dinner

- Last minute shopping @ Nagoya Hill Mall

**Pictures will definitely be up as soon as I've uploaded them!

Do keep a lookout ~!!

(pictured is 'Fatty' -my mum's hamster btw)

September : Hanging out with the Bestie...

2009-10-05T21:55:00.000+08:00

@ Oriole

@ Fruits Paradise (*i think?)

2nd Attempt : Orange-Chocolate Macarons!

2009-10-05T21:07:00.000+08:00

my 2nd attempt at making macarons from scratch!
it's definitely better than my last 1st attempt (previous batch all Flatten!!)

what do u think ?

mum said it was as good - good enought for sale!

but i think i needed to work on the appearance of these french sweets!

I did Orange-Chocolate Filled Macarons this time round.

hmm ... i'm not very satisfied though.

Will try again next time!

12/09 Trek : MacRitchie/Treetop Walk

2009-10-05T20:12:00.000+08:00

did trekking together with Mum.

Organised by TTSH + mum was super keen to join...

we're heading to MacRitchie for another trek this coming Saturday

some pics from the trek... Loadsa Greens!

------------------------------------------------------------

Metup with A. after sooo long!

food galore @ Ion Orchard.

heee-dango... hokkaido steamed cake...

Bought the ichigo flavoured one to share with A.

hmm - not as yummy as i thought it would be!

my latest fast food love : Subway

i have my Sub at least once a week now!

...

......

healthier fast food choice i guess ?

will upload pix later....

2009-09-27T17:06:00.000+08:00

darn!
I know it has been 3 months now..BUT i regret buying my Damier Neverfull LV!
should have gotten a DSLR which I've always wanted....
...
.....
anw, just gotten home early this morning from last night's cycle.
we went on our ride at 8:50pm and returned our bikes around 6:50am!
my longest ride ever!!
covered east coast park-kallang-bugis-liang court-chinatown-tg pagar-harbourfront
-orchard rd-bugis-kallang-ecp.
routes were packed and major roads in marina area closed due to F1 weekend!
butt still hurting from the long ride! but nevertheless, had an awesome time!!

back to the office tmr.... *wished my weekends were Longer*
im gg catch the f1 action on telly this evening! (2 more hours!!)

Just Inspirational !

2009-09-26T19:42:00.000+08:00

http://eyetaiwan.frogfree.com/

4guys - 4bikes - 8wheels on a 16days bike-around-taiwan journey!
lots of beautiful photos and i'm just inspired to start my bike touring!
I've gathered xp+ron who's keen on this so far....
Well who knows, we might be on our way to bike touring taiwan next year!!

Will be meeting them in less than an hour time.
We're biking again! this time an overnight ride!
excited excited!

=)

生活 : this week !

2009-09-24T22:15:00.000+08:00

yipeee for Friday tomorrow
September went by fast - its nearing October !

anyway, i'm going to the F1 track tmr with my poly mates.
yes - we bought tickets for the Friday's session !!
Glad i'm going this year since tix for last year were sold out !!

Saturday will be overnight biking with XP + ron - no specific route in mind,
we'll see how things goes.
Praying for good weather this weekend !

日本 plan ! #1

2009-09-24T08:58:00.000+08:00

Did OSAKA research yesterday!

CHANGES: We will now head for Osaka first from Tokyo,
then travel up to Kyoto and back to Tokyo.
Have to cfm our tokyo/kyoto/osaka accomodations by October.

OSAKA: Think we'll choose the Shin-Osaka JR Stn area since that seems to be the most convenient.
Main JR lines running through, easy access to Universals + Kobe/Wakayama(which we're planning to go for a daytrip)

Have to work out the budget and see if budget allows for us to stay at the Toyoko chains. Its more expensive than the Nakanoya Inn @JR Higashiyodogawa(東淀川)Station that we checked out earlier.
But added perk : Free internet access from Toyoko rooms!

Kyoto: Sticking to Tour Club Hostel which Amy recommended and stayed at previously.
Located at the Main Kyoto Station.

Tokyo: Amy suggest i take a look at Toyoko Inn,Shinjuku branch since it's one of the prime spot in tokyo.
We'll see how,if we can secure rooms.

My TENTATIVE plan: our 1st night upon arrival from SG,Stay at Oak Hotel which is near Ueno Park(so we can check out the blossoms); Sakura Hostel,Ikebukuro for our last 5n back at Tokyo.

[BAKE] Strawberry Charlotte Cake.Renee's B'day

2009-09-17T19:41:00.000+08:00

my 1st try at baking a Charlotte cake. (recipe which I've got from the www.)
Long time since i baked a birthday cake but i'm glad it turned out right.
I still got to perfect my cake-whipping skills !

four fresh eggs

sugar is necessary

a bowl of freshness !

i love the RED here !!!

shld I get a better oven ?
this one is just a cheap under $ 60 one.

ta-da ! all packed + chilled + dressed up w/sponge fingers
ready to leave home ~!

where we dined at!

1st time @ this cool restaurant/pub that serves contemporary tokyo cuisine.

Just some of our orders!

Sashimi is always a MUST-ORDER dish~

...

......
afterwhich we had dessert !

we didn't order from the menu though !

I called for the waiter to bring out the cake which i left with them as soon as we arrived....

AND,

There comes my handmade with LOVE birthday cake for Renee dearie!!

Happy B'day Renee !!!

hope u like the cake ~!

the usual group pic

一年後...

2009-09-17T09:58:00.000+08:00

today marks my 1 year in the company.
It only feels like yesterday !
How time flies... so quickly..

*can't wait for December bonus*
(...no more pro-rated -YAY!!)

減肥 ?

2009-09-16T13:07:00.000+08:00

Breakfast : Sausage MacMuffin + Milo

Lunch :
Bowl of Salad from Cold Storage
Subway Coldcut Trio + Ice Tea + a oatmeal/raisin cookie

Dinner :
Coffee Club most likely. (meeting Feli for dinner!)

Just some random posting.
feeling abit bored..after lunch.
my blogger.com gone abit bonkers - Again!!

50 Things to Do Before You Die My List

2009-09-15T22:36:00.000+08:00

Read this article a couple of weeks back and i thought i share this !
http://thetravelersnotebook.com/activity-guide/50-things-to-do-before-you-die/

hmm.. i don't think 50 things will complete my list !!
but well... if i have to follow this,
Here goes......

1. Set foot on each of the seven continents. (who doesn't..if only i was a billionaire!)
2. Cross a country on a bicycle. (i'm planning to try out a biking tour in 2010!!)
3. Ride something bigger than a horse.
(i would be glad if i could ride in a limousine - at least once in my lifetime!)
4. Live like a local for a month.
(Sad to say i live in a fast-paced nation. How nice if i don't need a dayjob! i would love to live like a local!)

5. Visit a “real” blues bar in Chicago. (i would lovee to see the real Moulin Rouge though... )
6. Learn another language. (hmm - let's see... i've attended lessons for French, Japanese & Bahasa Indonesia... but never really gotten the chance to 'use' in reality! )
7. Go heli-skiing. (would love to try snowboarding + ski again despite having done skiing once during the family trip to Korea back in my secondary days - could barely remember the experience!
8. Travel India by train. (India's on one of 'To Go' destinations but not keen on train travelling in India but rather the Trans-Siberian Railway from China to Russia~)
9. Climb one of the world’s Seven Summits.
(Satisfied if i can climb Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo 1st.... and maybe the Himalayans Later!)
10. Dive with a whale shark.
(i see that Underwater world have a 'Dive with the Sharks' package? Maybe i try that out first ?)

11. Participate in a Carnival parade in Brazil. (too many fascinating festivals everywhere in the world! if i could, let me join in the festivities of all nations!!! )
12. Dance Tango in Argentina. (hmmm..Dance? not my category)
13. Surf.
(I've did body-surfing in the Indonesian Island and got slapped Really Hard in the face!)
14. SCUBA in the Great Barrier Reef. (On my wishlist - but first I need to know how to scuba!)
15. Publish an article about your travels. (photoblog/blogging is good enough for me.)

16. Volunteer abroad for a month. (See #4)
17. Follow in the footsteps of your favorite travel book. (travel guidebook? i don't follow any, i do-up a customised itinerary for my travels if possible...and if time permits)
18. Take a bush plane ride into Africa’s interior. (I sooo wanna visit AFRICA)
19. Cross a glacier on foot. (hmm-name me a glacier please?)
20. Visit the source of one of the world’s great rivers. (hmm - not listed in MY list yet)

21. Climb an active volcano. (let me experience Mt.Kinabalu first...)
22. Buy a boat and learn to sail. (don't have the fundings to buy my own boat..)
23. Follow your food from field to table.
(Farm experience - Fruit picking etc. I WOULD LOVE TO EXPERIENCE!!)
24. Bathe in the Ganges. (Let me experience the Japanese baths first...)
25. Travel around the world. (i want,me want!!)

26. Photograph an endangered species. (not listed in MY list)
27. Participate in Burning Man . (not listed in MY list)
28. Spend 24 hours alone in the jungle. (think I would totally freak out !!)
29. Learn how to make a national dish. (probably more interested in eating than making)
30. Teach English in a foreign country. (sounds good !)

31. Attend a music festival in another country. (not listed in MY list)
32. Cross a country using only public transportation. (okay - done that before!)
33. Spend the night in a storied/historic hotel. (... maybe I should book a night at Raffles Hotel!)
34. Attend the Olympics. (i'm planning to!)
35. Meet your favorite (living) travel writer. (not listed in MY list)

36. Travel to Germany to experience Love Parade. (hmm...haven't heard of the Love Parade..)
37. Partake in a Japanese Tea Ceremony.
(i might just get to see this during my March trip to nippon-land!)
38. Join a caravan in the Sahara. (i want to go on a caravan roadtrip-'nuff said!!)
39. Go to Oktoberfest. (Eat,Drink&Make Merry - On my 'Must attend' list)
40. Stand at the North or South Pole. (woohoo - how cool is that !)

41. Be in the stands when two rival South American club teams play each other in soccer.
(Not in MY list)
42. Visit the birthplace or gravesite of a cultural icon. (hmm... Chopin? Beethoven counts?)
43. Find your version of “The Beach.”
44. Enjoy a freshly rolled cigar in Cuba. (Not in MY list)
45. Visit every capital city in Europe. (it's like a dream come true to visit every inch of Europe!)

46. Watch an orchestral performance in Vienna. (I WANT !)
47. Skydive. (Yessss-this is definitely on my list !)
48. Bike the Pacific Coast Highway. (i want to bike the World if i could !)
49. Shake hands with someone who has truly changed a country. (not in MY list)
50. Participate in the world’s biggest water fight (Songkran). (i want to join in the madness!)

Seems like I'll have re-live my life over and over again....
So many things to do..... but no money (sadly!) nor time (damn the work!)

BIKE. Our 1st City Route

2009-09-15T18:42:00.000+08:00

Our 1st City Route where we covered-
*East Coast Park
*Tg. Rhu
*Indoor Stadium
*Kallang Riverside Park
*SG flyer
*Esplanade Pit Stop
*Merlion Park
*Alongside the SG River
*Clarke Quay
*Liang Court Lunch Stop
*National Library / Bugis
*Arab Street
*Kallang - East Coast Park

it was an all-new experience cutting through the city- On a BIKE !!
took us around 5hrs +.Started out around 11am, ended close to 5pm!!
Fun-fun-fun....
we spotted a few tourists on bike-touring as well as a few ah-peks biking at leisure!

i was slapping on loads of sunblock lotion whenever we had stops!
it was freaking HOT that day !!!
we learnt our lesson and we'll be doing our 1st overnighter biking next wkend
- so looking forward!!!

no definite route yet...

Indoor Stadium

1st time riding over a highway

kallang riverside park

singapore flyer / F1 Track

Singapore Skyline from Esplanade

can u spot the Merlion ??

towards our lunch stop @ Liang Court

Passed through Arab Street - kallang - East Coast Park

2010.春

2009-09-15T09:43:00.000+08:00

Told ya i can't keep my excitement !!

....spilling the beans !

we're heading to nippon-land come Spring next year !
via SQ A380 (an added perk!)
its our BIG TRIP planned for 1Q 2010 !!
We're planning a whole 2wks - covering Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka with side trips to Kobe-Wakayama-Nara-Yoshino etc.

Focus will be the 櫻花 !!! cherry blossoms !
...but im' hoping we will be at the right place at the right time!! (so unpredictable)

Booking everything from scratch - from airtix to accomodation to rail passes!
not easy task but glad i have a few friends i can seek help from!

My virgin trip to Japan - Pure Excitement !!
after next week , it will be a 6months countdown ~ wheeee~!!

Will be posting updates here about my planning for JP!
do lookout!!
research started 2 months back.... but it never ends!

we have to secure our accomodation latest by next month.
cos' according to Amy - its the peak season !
alot of research work to do... busybusybusy!!

Upcoming plans for 9月 !!

2009-09-14T11:13:00.000+08:00

* long wkend with Mar ! (no plans yet.... gtta start planning!)
* Kino dinner buffet meetup (@ furama hotel )
* F1 race with poly gang (yay!! missed last yr - so this yr's MUST GO!!!)
* Overnight cycle with bike kakis
* plan for Spring'10 BIG TRIP - have to cfm itinerary b4 securing rooms!!
* research for cake recipes for 2 October babies - Bake Bake!

2009年12月曼谷旅遊 Plan !

2009-09-14T10:38:00.000+08:00

Thai King's bday on 5th Dec!
it clashes w/the travel period we'll be there! (national holiday...)
We will see the thais all dressed in yellow!
seen that during my last trip in 2007~ interesting sight!

FRI 4.12 (sightseeing-long day!)
ARRIVAL in bkk > hotel check-in (Pratunam Area)
4-faced buddha (for good luck & Safety)
BTS > Saphan Taksin > Riverboat Transfer
1st riverboat stop: lunch @ chinatown
riverboat tour along chao phraya with stops to Grand Palace/
Wat Pho/Sunset @ Wat Arun
Khao San Road*
Drinks @ Sirocco

SAT 5.12 (national holiday-King's Bday!)
Early mrg train > Daytrip to Lopburi
Siam Paragon-Siam Square-Hard Rock^

SUN 6.12 (day of market-shopping!!)
Pratunam Wholesale Market
BTS > Chatuchak Weekend Market
Suan Lam Night Market
*Drinks @ Vertigo

MON 7.12 (last min shopping!)
Platinum Mall
CentralWorld
Depart for airport
Flight back to SIN

^Optionals :
*Massage
*Arranged Cabaret show
*Tuk-Tuk Rides

check this site out !!

2009-09-14T10:23:00.000+08:00

good thing that blogger.com allows me to upload pix now!!!

cranky since my last photo update ~!!

anw,amy linked me a very interesting website last week!

chk this out : http://www.frogfree.com/

fabulous photos.... exciting adventures!

i LOVE the 'Ride around taiwan' + 'Mt Kinabalu' ones especially!!!

the ones above are all from frogfree's kinabalu adventure~ beautiful!!

25.8.2009 Buffet dinner @ Tian Tian Hotpot

2009-09-14T09:45:00.000+08:00

i've got the BLUESsss...

sux that i'm wkrg 5.5days this week!!

gd thing coming Monday will be a PH + mar will be in SG~!

wheee~!! have to do planning for our wkend!

monthly dinner meetup on 25.8.09 with my kino ex-colleagues

this round @ tian tian hotpot,bugis.

i realised my stomach's not as big as before alrdy.

*signs of growing old*

another dinner meetup nxt week - buffet i heard!

haaa~

Over the Moon ~!! wHeeee!!!

2009-09-03T22:11:00.000+08:00

Airtix for BIG TRIP come Spring'2010 booked!!!

Have to do major planning and securing of accomodations in the next few months! (6+ months to go...)
yeaps!
so happy,excited,over-the-moon!

@ 2 down... 1 more to go?? @

hmm...
not so sure if the November trip with the girls is gg to be cfm...
But I'm definitely lkg forward to December BKK trip with poly mates to the Sunflower fields of Thailand!

good thing its FRIDAY tmr !

One down, two more to go !

2009-08-30T20:59:00.000+08:00

wheeee - will be heading down to sawadeeka land coming December 4-7 with the poly gang!
belated grad trip?! lolx
hope to catch some pretty sunflowers during their annual sunflower festival!
looking forward.... since its my 1st trip with the gang!

Great to know that September is coming!
I can't wait - super excited!!
I'll be booking another airticket coming week - for my BIG TRIP planned for first quarter of 2010!

Toy Convention @ Suntec (Part II)

2009-08-26T14:39:00.000+08:00

drinks @ TCC with Blythe collector-friends

yummy dessert @ TCC

shared this with Amy!

mollys!!
my only damage from the toy convention!

Mickeys' Bearbricks

Love this!

fab outfit !! <3

day 2 @ toy convention.

this time with my blythe-collector friends.

lunch/drinks @ TCC,Suntec.

thanks to Amy too for the info needed for my Big trip !!!

details later.....

loves, nana

Toy Convention @ Suntec 2009 (day 1)

2009-08-26T13:49:00.000+08:00

my fave of the lot - amazing illustrations!

maybe i shld get a Wii ~!!

Just kawaii~ dessert maker toys!

an artist @ work

my favourite doll : @ the BLYTHE counter!!

some random cuties

starwars character ?

Lego !!

plush from the SG Zoo

ugly dolls...

cute capsule-toys on display!

Day 1 (fri) with my Mum. Mum wanted to go take a look!

had a fun time browsing through the various booths!
i just <3>

08:22PM on N-day

2009-08-26T11:35:00.000+08:00

We were at the Night Safari !!!
Great to be there again after sooo many years !

Currently Watching :

2009-08-26T11:07:00.000+08:00

Lady Castle/My Fair Lady/Pls take care of my Lady

Style

The Painter of the Wind

Busy with k-dramas like always...
Mon-Tues-Wed are my drama days if i'm not heading out after work!

*Lady Castle/My Fair Lady/Pls tk care of my lady

pretty hot drama - so its a must watch i guess!

i like the lead actress by the way!

can't rem names that well....oopss

*Style

its' the korean version of 'The Devil Wears Prada'.

i like the hollywood version! so korean version is a must-watch too!

hahaha

*Painter of the Wind

was recommended by my piano teacher.

its not too bad.

i'm currently halfway into this drama.

*Gourmet

still stuck @ the last few eps.

busybusybusy....

Rawa Island Digital Favourites ! (Part II)

2009-08-26T10:47:00.000+08:00

pics from my trusty canon~

rawa.low-tide
closeup.low-tide

low-tide.rawa

footprints.rawa

this is what i call LIFE

the resident dogs of Rawa

buffet breakfast.rawa safaris resort

Rawa Island Digital Favourites ! (Part I)

2009-08-26T10:16:00.000+08:00

pics from my trusty Canon + underwater fuji~

sun is setting

we saw not 1 but 4 'nemos'!!!

random marine life

cute jap boy @ rawa

msia national flower @ rawa

beautiful blue waters of rawa !!

heaven !!!

<3>

Big Plans ahead !

2009-08-13T13:21:00.000+08:00

Alright,Jam-packed July has already passed!

July was fruitful!

Short trip w/my besties to BKK & RAWA ISLAND~
dining @ some new places in SG...
biking....
i did some dolly photography as well!

i've got no travel plans for the next 2-3mths.
BORING !

Both myself and Angeline are planning something though...which we will reveal at a later time!

but i'm getting all EXCITED!!!!
can't wait for September to come!

*problematic blogger.com...... unable to share my rawa digi. photos!! ARGHHHHH*

ON FILM - Rawa Island

2009-08-05T17:22:00.000+08:00

Pretty satisfied with this film roll - turned out good.
the other 1/2 was abit too dark though!
Managed to finish the entire roll on this short 2d1n break with my bestie.
loving every bit of the island - pretty!

beautiful sunrise from the Causeway

picture-perfect beach @ Rawa Island

beachside huts

rawa island was home to 4 super-friendly dogs!
<3

this was taken @ mersing jetty

[23 July 2009] prive@keppel bay marina

2009-08-04T13:28:00.000+08:00

took 1/2 day off work and metup with Felicia for her birthday lunch @ Prive,keppel marina.
Felicia was telling me so much about it and we decided to head there!

quite a peaceful afternoon since it was near-empty!
ordered 2 mains and 2 desserts.
Only average for the food.
thumbs up for the ambience! <3

Happy 24th Felicia~!!

Dinner with the Girls @ Orchard Central

2009-08-04T13:19:00.000+08:00

22 July 2009.Wednesday
Japanese dinner with the girls in town.

chk out the latest addition on Orchard Rd.

Yet to eat anything from here....

i spy tons of japanese snacks sold @ the food basement!

yummmm~

packing.... office 's in a mess!

2009-07-31T10:34:00.000+08:00

today will be our last day @ the hospital office.
starting next week, will have to start work @ our new location : Tampines Plaza.

i'm happy & the sad at the same time....

Happy:more food!

Sad:have to wakeup earlier - spend on trspt - crowded during lunch hours (duh!)

[BIKE] 19 July 2009

2009-07-29T14:13:00.000+08:00

Emma @ Stadium Waterfront
Us @ Kallang Waterfront

they were having some NDP preview on that evening.

ECP

Eastern Coastal Park

Start of Changi Airport Runway

plane-watching

End point : Changi Beach / Gateway to P.ubin
where we had dinner and then took a bus to E-Hub for our Harry Potter movie !

::: notes :::

Company : Angie, a fellow colleague/lunch kaki & Emma the Goldie Blythe

Bike : Rented from PCN Stations (spent : S$12)
Route : ECP>Kallang Waterfront>ECP>East Coastal>Changi Beach

Start time : 15:00

End time : 18:45

Bangkok Shopping + Makan Trip (11-13 July 2009)

2009-07-29T10:50:00.000+08:00

onboard our early mrg Jetstar flight to BKK

on our cab ride to hotel

our 1st time staying @ Citin Pratunam.

normally we will stay @ First House Pratunam though,last trip was @ Baiyoke suites (NOT RECOMMENDED)!

this was a recommendation by my poly mate Bai - thanks!

really nice room, everything mostly new...

love the shower - they had the 'rain-shower' installed!

shiok~

And everything for only S$ 65 room rate/night!!

it was abit far in and most cabs have probs finding it.

but rooms are by far the BEST I've stayed in BKK - for cheap!!!

Angeline with her order

1st dinner @ Fuji Restaurant,Centralworld.

this bento set was only 230Baht /came with chawamushi + miso!

real cheap... SGD 10?

jap dinner b4 our flight @ Fuji Restaurant, platinum

we always have a thai meal @ Yum Saap when we are in BKK!

thai lunch @ Yum Saap,Central World

jap ramen dinner @ Siam Paragon

my bestie Angeline w/pressie frm me~

glad she like the wallet !

my bkk loot~!!

Notes : 1st 3d2n trip to Bangkok. Was fun but abit rushed.

a 4d3n would be perfect !

Missed Chatuchak this time round. didn't have time.

stayed most days @ centralworld & platinum mall.

fab time shopping + makan - FOR CHEAP~!!

Back from Rawa Island ~!!!

2009-07-27T13:09:00.001+08:00

hi all,

me back from another malaysian island - Rawa Island!

hopover to this small island with a bestie over the past wkend...

it was fantastic !!

pix uploads soon ! (frm 3 cams - digi,digi underwater & film...lolx)

*above pix are from the www~*

rawa island break this wkend !!!

2009-07-24T09:01:00.000+08:00

hey guys,

i will be heading to a short island break w/ the bestie this wkend!
Rawa Island - i hope it will be good.
as good as those pictures i found off the www.

***haix..no idea y this blogger.com is weird.
able to upload pics sometimes....sometimes not~!!

outdated pix - angeline b'day lunch treat + Batam!

2009-07-19T22:47:00.000+08:00

first off, lunch @ Manhattan Fish Market, Illuma
long time since i ate fish & chips....

afterwhich, headed off to Batam....

ktv session with Mar @ Happy Puppy.

we got the movie-themed room this time round.

Hokkaido Food Fair Eats #3

2009-07-19T22:21:00.000+08:00

ramen which i had twice during their week-long fair !

also had their seafood bento (as shown in the last pic)....
hmm....missing out on those gelato ice cream we had !

they are simply e BEST !!

*photos are in my hp - yet to upload to PC*

Hokkaido Fair - #2

2009-07-19T21:45:00.000+08:00

part II from Hokkaido fair held @ Tampines mall.

yummmmyyy... drooling looking @ these!!

Highly recommended : Shining Inheritance (Kdrama)

2009-07-17T20:34:00.000+08:00

I think this is one of the best I've watched so far !!
still ongoing - another 4 more eps to go ..
Loving every bit of this K-drama ~!!

BACK FROM BKK !!!

2009-07-15T09:32:00.000+08:00

I'm back from shopping paradise ~!
Everything was GREAT except that it was a Short trip..

1st time not staying @ the hotel that we will usually book..
Had a good stay @ Citin Pratunam !
Room was good.
Bath was good.
Service was good.
Practically everything's good except for its location + breakfast...
AM definitely gg back if i'm planning a visit to BKK !!!
(thanks to Bai for the recommendation!)

Had a FABfabFAB time shopping even though we hanged out mostly @
Platinum
Pratunam &
Central World.

We gave Chatuchak & Suam Lam Markets a missed though !
cos of time constraints, weary feets & sore arms+backs !!
Not many pix to share but will try to upload on PC this evening @ home.

Hokkaido Food Fair Eats #1

2009-07-15T09:21:00.000+08:00

Here's part I of last week's Hokkaido food fair eats ~!!

Went there thrice during their week-long event.

ate loads - spent loads ...

i <3>

Eats.Random.July

2009-07-15T09:12:00.000+08:00

TCC @ Takashimaya with the bestie.
'Zhi-Char' dinner @ AMK with bestie's family.

double-Yum !!

Flying to the Land of A Thousand Smiles !

2009-07-10T14:09:00.000+08:00

yeap, thats' right !
packing my bags and leaving for BKK tmr morning !
07:10AM flight via JetStar.
its' just a short wkend getaway - for a MAD shopping & makan time !!
and not forgetting, to celebrate my dear friend,Angeline's birthday...

yipeeee ~!!! EXCITED!!!

simply love this pic that amy.huimei98 took for me during our last dinner meetup @ the airport btw~

Ice Age 3 in 3D + Orchard Central Explore ~!!!

2009-07-10T13:28:00.000+08:00

me, wendee & angie @ Ice Age 3 in 3D

my 'virgin' 3D movie experience! lol!

afterwhich went to the nearby Orchard Central mall to explore the many floors!

random pix from O.C

and look @ this gigantic statue at the 1st level !