A simple and contented life story

2007-11-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

shopiing spree.. woo hoo!

see i so excited that i can't even spell shopping correctly... gosh, i need retail theraphy BADLY.

2007-11-05T20:20:00.000-08:00

in life, it is not dying that is scary. it is the process of dying that sends shivers down the spine.

true, i don't disagree.

2007-11-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

tesco fresh & easy is coming to town!!!

i went to their soft opening today.

i got my boss to buy the chocolate cheese cake. oh.. is delicious.

store concept is very trader joes. maybe is really a wake up call for those giants retailers.

whatever....

as for me, you bet to see me in their stores pretty often. im one happy camper.

read more here... http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9358986

2007-10-31T20:16:00.000-07:00

i read about the recent hot discussions on gays/lesbians in singapore.

i do have something to say about this.

i do not know or read enough to say for sure if these characteristics or behaviors were herieditary and i'm not here to discuss about that. however, i do think that society should be more accepting towards them. we are in a society that judges alot, much worse back in asia! because people DO NOT know better, they tend to form perceptions relatively fast and this to me, is very unfair.

i have a good friend who is gay.

i have suspected but never asked. what's the point? it really doesn't matter. he has been a great friend to me. though, im in the west coast and he, in the east, he always makes a point to call & catch up with me. he really doesn't have to. he has an incredible life in NY, doing well and living the life. however, he always makes an effort to maintain our friendship and anytime that i needed help or if i'm in town, he makes sure i'm well taken care of.

does he make a less of a friend to me just because he's gay? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! he is more caring, sensitive than i say, a regular guy..

gay or not gay, it doesn't make a shit difference.

i am a believer. i know that the lord doesn't encourage such behavior. i am not encouraging that. my point is that society should be more accepting towards them.

he told me before that it will be very hard to return to singapore because of his identity. that to me is a very sad thing to hear.

p/s: by the way, one evening out while having dinner in NYC, he did tell me straight in my face that he's gay and i really appreciate his honesty.

2007-10-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

why do people want to mask themselves? to maintain a certain image? ego? afraid to show the weaker side?

how can people be so certain in their judgement? they really know??

why do men not cry easily?

why are there so many denominations in the christian faith?

why do parents think they know best?

why are there gays and lesbians?

is there really a God?

why are we here?

alot of whys. though i kind of know some of the reasons behind all these, i still question why.

2007-10-23T21:42:00.000-07:00

this is my 1st non-pointed pair of shoes (kind of). i have always been a fan of pointy shoes till i think is a trademark of me. whether is low or high heels, they have to be pointed. to me, pointy shoes are simple yet classy. i wasn't planning (yeah right!) to get any shoes last weekend when i walked into DWS but that pair up there was hard to pass and why not, for a change.

it was a good buy (a 40% discount). my favourite love so far:)

sometimes, how i wish that life is as easy as shopping... if you like, then buy, regret, bring in for return (ah, how i love the return prolicy here in the states). the shopping process is pretty straight forward most of the time.

as we humans grow up, why is it that we have to think so much more? the slightest words and actions all have an impact. sometimes that get too tiring. adults over analyze, over think, over worry, over react and over everything. where has simplicity gone to???

2007-10-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

sorray... for the late of update. been tired with work and also the past weekends were spent running all around town, checking out the bestEST food around. now.. i really need to go on a diet. *dead serious*

naoko left for japan today. she went back to change her visa status, now that she is married. but, how can she just leave without the gang going for some solid good food.

we met up for breakfast yesterday. goodness gracious, i love that place. very european decor. i had their french toast, it was good. naoko told me they are famous for their bread. i love breakfast, more so than lunch and dinner. when it comes to dinner, i can get by with just fruits but breakfast, the more the merrier.

also, the funny thing is that i have been in the states for 5 years already (how time flies!!!) but im still not into the whole american fashion culture. me still love european designs. thank god for zara and mng at south coast plaza!

2007-10-12T17:43:00.001-07:00

no zion for me. plan was called off last minute.

off to san francisco instead.

2007-10-02T21:56:00.000-07:00

hi y'all;

i'm alive and well; been lazy.

i'm good, busy with life, zipping to zion national park next weekend.

2007-09-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

these days, our lives revolve around techonologies.

in the past, phones used to be the way to go.

now... i actually get faster response via email. weng yee and i were arranging for dinner this past weekend. i get faster response from her by emailing her then trying to call her. seriously, i don't know if this is a good thing or not.

even papa john's want us to order pizza online. that is like "what the crap" to me. me like to call, esp when ordering pizza. in singapore, i still remember the number.... 2353535 :)

2007-09-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

home is sweeter this time round. i'm gonna swing by koh samui this trip home. i need to see the world more..... not only that, i get to spend some time with my parents too.

asia rocks.

2007-09-07T18:45:00.000-07:00

phew.. the weekend is here! YAY!

i'm tired from the week. the last 2 days were crazy. brought work home and didn't finish till 10, next day pia again. tiring but i kind of like it once in a while. i like to be put to the test. when life is too smooth, you'll sink into this comfort zone, it gets kind of boring. anyhow, boss was pleased and i was too, so everything's cool.

sashimi this weekend. yah, eat again. i can't fingure why.. i have this constant craving for japanese food. funny as it may sound, you would think i can get alot of good japanese food here since diversity is big here but i have not found a solid damn good japanese restaurant. places that i've been too weren't cheap but they were not that great. still prefer japanese food back in singapore.

ah... singapore... couple more months to go :)))))))))

2007-09-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

damn tired. 80 reports - 2 days

numbers don't look like number to me anymore.

a drink could help alittle.

2007-09-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

this post, and actually thereafter are all about my love for food, and the ocean. california is well-known for its gorgeous beaches. i was down in san diego for the last 2 weekends. oh gosh, i love that city! everywhere is like 15-20 mins drive and the weather, of course, no need to say much loh:))

that was one monster salad - lunch before sailing. had korean food after that for dinner, is good sia. very interesting restaurant. the next day after brunch, pat just drove along the coast, from del mar to calsbad. i wondered... i think i will need someone to jump-start my brain the next day for work. my weekend was so relaxing.

2007-09-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

that's our 22-foot long sail boat. EXCITING! i love the ocean! what a fantastic way to spend the weekend. but.... we needed more wind. otherwise, i love it!

2007-09-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

i tell you ah. sailing is NO JOKE! i slept for nearly 12 hours after that. yah! call me hopeless. under the sun for 4 hours straight, it was a miracle that i didn't pass out on the boat. however, it was an amazing experience & a blast, would definitely do it again. i think i will bring my umbrella the next time (just kidding!)

in a still semi-conscious state (at least me), we went for brunch the next morning @ del mar. i had the scramble egg with saussage and goat cheese. the breakfast place is pretty darn cool and it overlooks the ocean. ah... life suddenly is so great and wonderful... no more worries.. (err.. actually, i don't have much worries, sometimes, i think that we humans eat finish rice nothing to do, then create our own worries)

2007-09-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

san diego in 2 consecutive weekends. no problemo! no sian one! who can say no to such great city. i cannot see myself living in LA but san diego, i will go in a flash. us threesome did nothing much that day... went for dim sum, over-ate so went to balboa park for a walk and then off to la jolla for some ocean breeze. while i continued to do more walking, the two took a nap on the grass.

after movie, we headed down to gaslamp quarter for some italian cuisine. i was bloated with food so i only had salad for dinner but bloody hell, that was one expensive salad. $19! actually it was only $12 but i wanted to add chicken and that costs an extra $7. oh my goodness.

2007-09-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

la jolla beach and surrounded by a bed of roses @ balboa park.

2007-09-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

DOOR TO DOOR OPERATION

it is so damn hot here that i'm going to go crazy. to keep my sanity, me shut the house's door --> run to car door --> reach destination; fly straight for cover.

i strategize my outdoor actvities too.

me going sailing in san diego. now, come to think about it, i do not know if is a good idea anymore.

2007-08-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

ah... it feels so good to talk to a good old friend.

CLIFTON!!!

that dude just got back from alaska yesterday. he saw the aurora. i saw the pictures he took.. took my breathe away.

the wonders of nature that the Lord has created.

memories from tucson started flowing back. nothing beats the good old days:)))

clifton, wenyang, louanne, zhenlin, mark and me.

love you all!

2007-08-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

i forgot to mention the FISH!!

stroll down a couple of blog entries and you will find a picture of that fish (which is already well, in my stomach :))

i tell you ah, that is one bloody fresh and tasty fish. i'm not a fish person @ all. i'm very sensitive to that fishy smell and it takes alot for me to consume that category of food.

however, that day (while looking for places to dine in lake tahoe), someone told us that we need to go check out that pacific islander restaurant a few shops down. of course, the combo of a singaporean and malaysian ==== GOOD FOOD === CHIONG AH!

oh boy. it was marvelicious....... but abit expensive. 34USD for that = 50SIN.

but since i don't eat fish that often, i think i deserve that :))))

very shiok!

2007-08-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

i don't know why sia, these days i'm becoming more and more philosophical than i want to.

not that i want to. i actually kind of hated it. waste of my brain cells sometimes. machiam think so much, things will work out.

i think is because i'm too free sometime. california is nice.. is great actually! but if the Lord can transport all my close friends and family over, that would be mighty fantastic.

laguna beach would look much prettier,
food will taste better,
the mountain would look more majestic,
and of course, i wold definitely think less
how great is that!

2007-08-23T17:31:00.000-07:00

feeling quite shitty today.

someone, pls give me the definition of friendship.

is it true that there are some people out there who even though will do alot of things for you, care alot for you and remember what you like to eat, but then like to bicker with you too all the time??

he likes to see me irritated, and i wonder why. this is pretty bloody childish. yesterday i was reading daily bread. the topic was about inner peace.

Isaiah 53:7-9 (New International Version)

7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.

8 By oppression ^[a] and judgment he was taken away.
And who can speak of his descendants?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was stricken. ^[b]

9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.

i want to be like jesus. no matter what was said, sometimes it is okay to remain quiet . no only do i want to be quiet, i want to not even have any emotional feelings stirred in me.

i used to be very irritated and sick to my stomach with all the stupid arguments and senseless comments going back and forth but as time goes by, i am getting more and more immune and feeling rather emotionless towards this friend.

i hope i will still continue to have some love in this friendship as time goes on.

2007-08-21T17:56:00.001-07:00

lake tahoe is so pretty isn't it? i'm very blessed.. to be given a chance to see the creations of the Lord.

the amazing grand canyon,
the neon lights of broadway in new york city, empire state building, eating duck noodles in chinatown,
the skyline of chicago up @ 90+ storey @ John Hancock building,
tasting wines at napa valley,
experience the intense cold winter in boston with great friends,
the sunshine, clear blue beaches, sunset blvd and hollywood in los angeles,
the tall mysterious catus & amazing sunset in arizona,
the golden gate beach of san francisco,
overlooking the ocean @ torrey pines in san diego,
skiing up @ lake tahoe, camping in yosemite national park and catalina.

i am indeed very blessed. thank you Lord and of course, my parents too.

these experiences remind me that the world is bigger than what we think it is.

me love my life :))

2007-08-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

it was a beautiful. beautiful wedding. the best i attended so far. the ballroom had long glass windows overlooking the lake. gorgeous! the food and service were outstanding and last but not least, it was very personal.. only about 5 tables of guests.

lake tahoe is sure not to be missed when you're in california.

2007-08-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

can someone pack for me?? pls??

i like to travel but i hate packing.

i used to love it when i was younger.. i guess is because you would enjoy doing things that doesn't happen often. then, the packing process starts days ahead cause i like to jump-start the enjoyment & excitment leading up to the trip.. now that i travel so often that i've become the queen of turtle when it comes to loading the luggage.

& this time is worse. i CANNOT decide what to wear to the wedding. instead of cracking my head too much (which is already burned out), i just threw everything in. taking the easy way out.

that's life. trying to make my world a less complicated one.

however, i suspect that that ain't happening.

2007-08-15T18:26:00.000-07:00

when there is happiness, there will be sadness too.

when you receive, you'll have to give too.

when there is hope, there will be disappointment.

life's pretty fair isn't it?

2007-08-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

i want to go there. too darn cool.

skywalk. grand canyon.

2007-08-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

tired. phew. packing. organizing.

tahoe in 2 days time. for the wedding.

a time for a short vacation too. i'm tired mentally and physically.

2007-08-11T13:00:00.001-07:00

last sunday, lunch was spent having korean food at my favourite tofu house with young and his wife as well as DY, followed by a great afternoon walk around downtown long beach and then to the beach.

it was a very nice day. weather was great and needless to say, great companionship too!

this is the most beautiful gerber i have ever seen. pale yellow.

2007-08-11T12:48:00.001-07:00

weeks ago, i went to griddle cafe for breakfast. i lOvE that place, very eclectic & many cool people zipping in and out. i had the baileys and kualua pancake. that was alsolutely fantastic! i was a little apprehensive initially so i ordered a blueberry pancake too. needless to say, i can't finish the 2 gigantic monsters.

oh oh.... near venice beach, there is this chic little cafe opened by a singaporean. me wanted to go check it out so i dragged DY there with me. that area itself was so cool!!!! alot of small little boutiques and very arty farty. anyway, back to the topic on the cafe. the pastries are a little small and not very cheap but they are good :))))

korean seafood soup noodle. D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S
my weekend car :))

2007-08-11T12:41:00.001-07:00

okay, finally there are here!!! people have been bugging me on pictures of my new crib. i have been here for about 3 months already. overall, i like it here. the few cons are that my bedroom and kitchen are a little small for me, otherwise, the place is great.

oh, yah and i need to clear the little garden of mine once every few weeks. that kind of sucks. i realise that my talent lies in killing plants. it is not easy to upkeep a house. once in awhile, weekends are spent on just clearing the garden and killing ants.

2007-08-07T21:36:00.001-07:00

i would like the clock to wind a few year back

where most decisions revolved around where to eat, what to do and buy or not to buy.

i had to make a decision and that decision of mine might hurt one very badly (chill out; i'm not talking about Mark).

i think i wil continue writing again. my brain needs to retire for the night from all the thinking and phone yakking. SWOT analysis helps actually.

2007-08-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

today is harry potter day!!!!

i just got a new baby ---------> CANON POWERSHOT SD1000!!

i need shoes (again!! yes!).

my stuff are outgrowing the house.

ciao!

2007-08-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

what you wear, how you present yourself, whether you are a gal or guy make a diff.

on 2 occassions (all within a short period of time), when the bunch of us went for lunch, we got complimentary starter. the bunch of us refers to guys in shirt and tie and me, in business wear.

@ work, i'm well taken care of. that's all i can say... i'm not complaining but sometimes it puts me in an awkward position. i don't really like biases.

2007-07-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

when i leave the states for good. i have many places to go say my good bye!

young, my S.B.M is leaving to go to another account - jacksonville, florida to be specific. he got promoted to director.

i pretty much cried the whole day when i heard the news. i have become close to him thru time. he always watches my as* and takes very good care of me (even though, at time, he does give me crap).

when he takes us out for lunch, he gets the bill most of the time.

when he goes to the supermarket with his wife, he would get my favourite korean noodle for me.

he makes a bloody mess of my desk when i'm on my vacation.

i should get used to people coming in and out of my life since i'm here in america but i guess i'm not. lifz sucks sometime.

too much crying is not advisable for my health.

2007-07-30T19:20:00.001-07:00

long overdue pictures of my camping adventure @ catalina.

i'm not a camping fanatic. in fact, i don't really like camping but since i have NOT been to catalina before, i decided to go check it out. oh my, the experience was wonderful! our tent was right smack in front of the pacific ocean. not only that, i was very well fed too. glen is an expert in camping and a pretty pamper camper too. for breakfast, i had potato with hash brown, egg and bread and dinner is bulgogi beef from TJ, salad, baked beans and corn. DELICIOUS!!!!

oh course, going there with 3 guys make me the queen!!! its not a bad adventure after all! camping by the ocean is an experience i will never forget :))))

this is buffalo milk (this drink, i believe can only be found on catalina island). is actually alcoholic drink mixed with real buffalo milk. OUTSTANDING! love it! i had 3 in my short stay there. buffalo milk is mixed with vodka, kualu and etc etc... can't remember already.

2007-07-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

i'm finally back in business.

internet was down for a while. will post more often now.

as for now... Naoko's bridal shower in a few hours time @ laguna beach!!

2007-07-12T19:08:00.000-07:00

me going camping.

on catalina island.

ciao!

2007-07-04T14:52:00.000-07:00

i don't normally hate summer but now i am having 2nd thought.

there are ants everywhere and also staying in a house instead of an apt means that i have to DESTROY them myself. oh.. how i wish my dad were here.

i pretty much spent my whole 4th of july morning battling with the ants. outside my house, there is a garden and because of the great shade it provides, it is a paradise for them.

yeah right, here comes my water hose and windex. will be off to target or home deport next to get ants poison.

give me garden also no use. one thing for sure that God didn't give me is talent in planting. i always forget to water them, and to make matter worse, it is so hot now, so pretty much there are all in heaven already. OPS!

2007-07-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

europe next yr????

germany to visit zhenlin?? france, berlin, italy, prague, vienna..

a plan needs to be in place :)))) maybe...

"travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind" ----- Seneca

2007-06-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

***ESCAGOTS*** !!!!

we had that when we went to the belgium restaurant in palm springs. it is all in the mind. it actually tastes pretty normal --- like eating clams.

but it is not exactly stuff that i would like to eat often.

2007-06-17T17:06:00.000-07:00

over coffee yesterday, DY and i started talking about our childhood memories.

i have been raised by great parents and a wonderful family. i am thankful to my parents for bringing me to places such as indonesia and thailand. going to 3rd world places like these make me realise how lucky i am. not only that, i get to appreciate and absorb different cultures too. it opens up my little mind.

i absolutely adore thailand. i love their beaches and the amazing flavors in their food. bangkok is a fantastic place to shop and phuket and the surrounding islands are just breathtaking.

i seldom bitch about life because i do realise that i have been very lucky. DY always complains that he is suay but then i told him, how many people can land their feet here in california. yesterday, while we were at palm springs, we went into this shop selling paintings/wildlife pictures. i love the picture of bisons walking through the winter storm. reason...... to remind us of how lucky we are to be here in this gorgeous california weather. he gave me the "whatever" look but i'm sure my words will stuck in his head. he is that kind of "mouth hard heart soft" person.

anyhow... i'm a happy child. i had the best childhood and my parents did a fantastic job in raising me up:))))))

2007-06-12T21:15:00.001-07:00

humans hate uncertainties.

however, i have learned to cope and live with it. i guess in life, some things are beyond your control and is really okay to live in the unknown. at least for me, it gets easier as time goes by because... i have the Lord. I have learned to really live by faith and know that he will take care of me.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: i will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10

those close to me will know what's happening in my life the last couple of months. during the last 2 months, my two main companions had been fear and anxiety. to date, i have spoken to at least 4 doctors (a 5th one just a while ago, thanks to DY who is always so concern and even went to ask his doctor friend who is in chicago for more 2nd opinions) and did countless blood tests, xrays, CT scan and read up. still, no one is sure of what exactly is the small little thingy in my lung.

according to the pulmonologist, the highest possibility is that it could very well be valley fever so i have to check back with him every 2-3 months for the next 2 yrs.

anyhow, life still goes on. i don't want to waste my time worrying. life is short. i dont want to look back and regret how silly of me to spend the few months in misery. with people around me who are all in the medical field, i should be fine :))) and also the powerful and mighty Lord.

2007-06-09T22:51:00.001-07:00

tarn's graduation. i have been tremendously blessed. she's the gal who took care of me whenever i'm not feeling well. one phone call, no question asked and she will be at my place. the Lord has blessed me with these wonderful gals. love them to death :))

2007-06-09T22:47:00.001-07:00

laguna beach. my favourite beach at this moment.

view from the restaurant where we had lunch.

2007-06-09T22:30:00.001-07:00

even though i still dont know what's wrong with my health, i have been feeling better and my appetite is coming back :))))

now.... pretty much all i do during the weekend is to eat and eat. lifz is so good with food around.

i love korean food. this tofu house in garden grove is the best! all the protein that i ever need.

lunch @ la brisas. i like it. though portion is abit small but this dish has a pretty interesting flavor. i had breakfast there before and it was fantastic. a restaurant with one of the best views in laguna beach, right on the cliff and if you get the right table, the ocean is pretty much right next to you.

anyhow, after lunch, i needed to go to my favourite place in laguna for some dessert. as usual, nothing beats a good gelato ice-cream ----- chocolate hazelnut. i'm in heaven!

so we walked and walked. it was a great day to be out strolling at the beach. but after a while, the legs needed a rest. so here we were, at this pastry shop, having my tiramisu and some solid caffine.

2007-06-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

i love cheeseeeee.

smoked gouda, gruyere, brie, feta, pepperjack, swiss, mascarpone :)))))))

2007-06-05T21:33:00.000-07:00

how funny can lifz be?

solitude i once like but not anymore.

man does not live on bread alone. very true.

i'm getting fat. i have been eating way too much.

2007-06-03T21:19:00.000-07:00

what a brillant way to get me to drink alcohol again!

last friday, i was hesitant in joining my co-workers for drinks after work; then DY mentioned something.... that will help KILLS ANY GERMS in the body.

wau.. yah hor.

2007-05-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

it was a great memorial day weekend. a much needed 3 days' break.

i was at san jose. went over to my aunt's place to get some love and fun. you know what, i got more rest than i was back home in singapore for 5 weeks. sometime, it is great to not do anything. the only 2 things i did over there was EAT and SLEEP. lifz suddenly seems so simple and peaceful.

i went for a walk at the park. clear blue sky , lush greenery, fantastic weather. i felt truly blessed. for once, i was not thinking of my health.

i love my life :)) if only, i can know exactly what's the stupid pea thing in my lung.

2007-05-24T20:23:00.000-07:00

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

2007-05-24T20:21:00.000-07:00

earthquake yesterday night.

these stuff are common in california but boy this is the 1st time i feel my bed and shelf shaking. not a very fun thing to experience.

2007-05-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

elisha did this for me on my birthday.

and also.... a video clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C-XfggLx8

copy the above link to see a silly and very embarrassed me.

2007-05-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

i'm still sick- pneumonia is a killer. no mood to blog. even my friends say that i've aged.

true.. i have never felt so terrible. i want to get well soon God.

2007-04-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

i'm moving house :-|

eiks, i hate moving but my new place has got a small private garden... just for me :)))

and i can save $400 a month; i think is worth the move. it is not far, just down the road.

2007-04-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

this seems like a great thing to do to kill time, now that i'm officially given 2 days of medical leave by the doc to rest @ home.

What is your favorite item in your closet? my turquoise blue dress from H&M, currently

Fill in the blank: I can’t live without... God, family, good friends & laughter (daily, if possible) oh... and good food (i'm from singapore; that's why)

What’s your favorite gift to give? It really depends on the recipient. I'm pretty talented in buying what people like.

If you could max out your credit card at one shop, which one? oh boy... no one shop but multiple can!! armani, zara, theory, nordstrom, bloomingdales and travel agency! i want to travel around the world

What one thing everyone woman should own? dresses and a very good solid watch. emm.. throw in a leather bag as well...

What inspired you to start your blog/site? nothing.. out of boredom initially

If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be? in some freaking remote islands with clear blue water, nice spa, good food and love ones.. mexico or mediterranean maybe..

Who is your celebrity style mate? jennifer aniston and angelina jolie

Do you have any hidden talents? i have pretty good tastes in decorations.. be it making cards or decorating my house

Name your favorite...

Cocktail/Any Alcohol: grey goose on the rocks
Color: can't decide but definitely not pink
Fashion Trend: i'm into dresses these days, classic and simple look
Book: i'm currently reading "Live what you love"

2007-04-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

it sounded quite not right to give up an opportunity for a $70,000 USD a year job isn't it?

i realized something. money is important but is really NOT everything. at this point in time, this might be the best thing for me. even though, most people won't not agree to that.

health and happiness triumph over everything.

2007-04-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

this is my basil report card to mark. the plant is doing well. it was mark's so now it is under my loving care. hopefully it doesnt die on me. i suck at looking after plant. i guess i'm one of the few who can even kill catus.

beats me?? i don't know why too.

2007-04-21T23:05:00.000-07:00

the following post is a simple reminder to myself of these wonderful people that came into my life and for me to smile when i look back years from now.

i do not want to say for sure but at least 2 doctors suspected that i'm down with pneumonia. i have been getting tired very often and my immune system is not that fantastic for the last couple of weeks. along with that, i had pretty bad anxiety attacks. the worst was last monday where i needed to stay over at my friends' place and i had to be on med.

with all these dramas going on, i felt so loved. friends had been calling me everyday to see how i am doing. also, 2 days ago, i was mentioning to annie that emm.. i missed briyani from singapore and yesterday, she called up and asked me where was i cause her mum cooked some and wanted to pass it to me. my family, especially my aunt had also been checking on me everyday.

how great is the Lord!. he brought me all the way from arizona to california not to be alone but to fill my life with all these love and wonders of friendships. through this experience, i have learned to not be so independent always, it is only when im weak and willing to let go, then i was able to see how much people care.

p/s: it is fantastic to have so many friends studying medicine.

2007-04-15T13:21:00.000-07:00

i didn't blog about my other trip before chicago... so here it is.

i was @ kalamazoo, michigan for training. will i want to go back there again?? err.. no loh.

that place is so bloody cold and boring. when you put the words COLD and BORING together it is pretty much ultimate death.

i braved the cold to bring all these pictures to you all so you will never have to ever go there. enjoy!

2007-04-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

i is ku ku number 1.

im supposed to take antibiotics but before that, i want to have my dinner. i happily put my pre-cooked pasta on the sauce pan and started cooking. after having a fantastic dinner, i realised that there was wine in the pasta.

now, i can't take my antibiotics. oh great..

2007-04-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

busy busy very busy ah..

so busy till my heart is bumping at a highly unusual rate. meaning... nowadays, i get short of breathe very easily. dammit, don't know what's wrong.

but i'm well taken care of (i don't need more people to worry for me). im blessed. people have been telling me, call to go starbucks anytime, you need to talk to destress. so call, must call...

tarn, an amazing girl with a thunderstorm big heart has been checking on me, since i told her i heven been feeling that good. in my opininion, she is even more powerful than my mum, she can call me many times a day to see if im feeling alright. she just told me today that she needs to self invite herself to my place (she hasn't been to my place before), just in case she needs to rush over if anything happens.

i don't think is panic attack because i have deal with more stressful situations than now. is this a sign of aging? nabei. i need to bloody relax more, i shouldn't stress over work, no point.. really no point..

few months or a year from now, no one will remember.

i can't take all these craps no more.

2007-04-05T18:57:00.000-07:00

in order to remain sane, it is best to care less...

2007-04-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

it's always better when we're together
we'll look at the stars when we're together
it's always better when we're together
it's always better when we're together

................. i love songs from jack johnson.

2007-04-01T20:51:00.000-07:00

lifz's getting complex.

here, when we want to meet up, we take the plane.

buses and cabs won't work all the time.

2007-03-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

This brings a smile...

2007-03-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

it is funny.... funny, how my ang moh boss (aka director) thinks i'm direct.

personally, i think i am, but still manageable and under control (i know when to keep my mouth shut 95% of the time). but i think i throw him off guard. i guess he never expects an asian to be blunt.

he told our customer today over drinks that i'm a very direct person. not once, but a couple of times... then, he started illustrating examples. wau kows, i don't know if that is good or bad. i don't really give a damn shite, to be honest.

my director is a very straight forward person too (sometimes too much, in my opinion) but i like it.. no bullshit, yes!

bs drains the hell out of me.

2007-03-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

andy, you hit my soft spot.

me and him were talking random stuff. i wasn't feeling anything till....

........
Andy says:
and one day

Andy says:
we will be having fun together

Andy says:
at the same place

loraAc says:
i CAN't wait for that day when everyone can be at the same place again

Andy says:
it will happen

(this is where i burst out crying)
Andy says:
when we can do christmas dinners together at each others homes

Andy says:
u go back first

Andy says:
i will follow later

hey dude, i can't wait for that to happen...when we can all have dinners together at each others homes. till then, all the best and take care!

2007-03-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

prior to being a christian, i hated it when 'church people' call you up to do some sort of follow up. there is this expectation for you to come regularly after the first time. to me, that was annoying.

however, now, i feel differently. i am so grateful, honored and thankful for their concern. at least, from MY friends from church. these people were just acquaintance a year ago but slowly and steadily, became friends who are truly concern for me.

i haven't been feeling good since i came back. to make matter worse, work has been busy. i just don't have the energy to go for bible study every friday. it is draining to have your mind run 15 hours on a friday, not to mention 10 hours for the days prior.

when i didn't show up, one of them will definitely call to see if i'm okay. i appreciate that and i don't find it annoying. BECAUSE, they don't have to. they did it because they thought about me and they WANT to.

remember, no one has the obligation to do anything for a person. it is nice when people think about you.

in this fudging busy society where we sometime don't even have the time to eat, how often do we actually thought of someone besides your boyfriend/girlfriend? and besides that, do we even have the energy to bother calling them up?

2007-03-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

pictures speak a thousand words.

2007-03-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

i just won $56 for nailing the due date of michael's baby and 2nd place went to pete who won $14 (80/20 game rule)

americans have this game that they play.. $5 from everyone, whoever guess the correct date of the due date or closest to it wins.

initially, i think is pretty bo liao to waste money like that but since i won, i think is money well spent.

on another note, when i came back to work last monday, i nearly fainted when i saw my desk area. it was like a snowstorm just hit california. young and pete had styrofoam all over my desk and bubble wrapped my desktop to welcome me back... oh boy! i was so tired cleaning everything up.

pictures later.. i forgot to save them to my flash drive.

no wonder, when pete and i were on the phone on sunday, he told me not to hate him when i get in to work the next day. whatever it is, he is not the mastermind and he die die also refused to tell me what it is.

is payback time..

young knows that i will retaliate so everytime he has to close his room door whenever he leaves the office. haha.. serves him right.. he will definitely get it, is only a matter of when.

2007-03-18T15:15:00.001-07:00

on another note, united airline customer service has almost no existence.

i would never (although never say never) take united again if have a choice. i value customer service big time, i don't mind paying a premium just so that i get treated well or decently. that explains why i don't take american airlines on international routes. i have no problem paying two, three hundred more just so that i don't have to face attitude with the crew.

earlier on the day of departure, i wanted to change my departure time and thrice, THRICE, i was put on hold for more than 10 min. not to mention that prior to that, i had to go thru that stupid robot.

and they lost my baggage. these bloody asses, no wonder they go into bankruptcy.

so now let us wait and see how long they will take to deliver it. the last i checked, they did manage to find it and is on transit here.

oh by the way, when i was put on hold for more than 10 min, i didnt even get to speak to any of these suckers cause i got tired of waiting.

goodbye united, you just lost one customer who travels quite a bit.

2007-03-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

i'm finally back!

i have been on the road for a week and nothing beats being back home.

i have tonnes of pictures of chicago.. and there are all incredibly amazing. personally, this is the best city i have ever visited. even though, the weather is not something to be boast about, i have beautiful sights of this city to keep me occupied with then to focus on the cold.

and this was also the 1st time that i pretty much travelled alone. when mark and the rest of the gang were here, we always go on trips together so i was very well taken care of. i kind of grew up more along the way and not to mention that i have been very lucky. i originally planned to take the amtrak (train) to chicago from kalamazoo and the day before, danielle decided to cancel her flight and join me in the train trip.

also, it was great to be able to walk around by myself, absorbing the beauty of this place and at the same time, if i needed companionship, i can join the girls so that also worked out great.

it was a tiring one week but a very very memorable one too :)

2007-03-18T11:47:00.000-07:00

kobe beef burger and truffle tries. yum yum.. now, i have higher expectation of fries.
this is how the water is supposed to look like when is dyed green.
of course, i need to show you my fun room in chicago. isn't this cool? i wanted something different so here i am, at hotel allegro!

2007-03-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

deep dish PIZZA @ lou malnati. fantastic! how can one be here and not try this!
isn't this interesting? parking is so exciting here!
st pat's day! it was crazy. all these people, including myself were waiting to see the river dye green. is a tradition here. it took a while and i was hungry so in the end we went to grab some food. halfway to the bar, it snowed!

2007-03-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

the park outside navy pier. what a beautiful day! clear blue sky but pretty windy.

oh chicago! what a beautiful skyline. a shot taken from the navy pier.
the few shots below were taken from John Hancock building. up@ 94th story. the views were magnificent. the moment i walked out of the elevator, i was speechless. i was up at the empire state building @ new york city too but this was much better. you get the lake view and city life, all in one.

buildings in chicago were gorgeous. the architecture is very european. being here reminds me much of home. tonnes of high rise buildings and very clean.

2007-03-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

it has been 3 wonderful days in chicago.

it snowed on me this morning as i was coming back to the hotel from the hair salon. pretty romantic sight.

todays is st. patrick's day. the streets were filled with people, bars were jam-packed. like seriously, crazily packed. tonnes of people were lining up trying to get into bars... cause is a big tradition to drink like crazy on this day

i didn't have much cause i have a plane to catch. just went to the bar for lunch and had 2 bottles. my crazy friends are going bar-hopping the whole day. they are leaving tmr so is fine.. today, is also the 1st time i tried truffle fries.. oh boy, it does make a diff.

anyhow, got to run... leaving in minutes to the airport. will tell more when i get home.

2007-03-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

i just aDOrE & LoVe chicago.

fabulous city but.... very cold. emm.. about 2-3 celsius.

just simply love it, love it!

this windy city is like singapore and so much cleaner and less dense than new york city.

i think (remember, is think....) i can give up my sunny weather in california to live in this fabulous city. maybe im just lucky that today is just very cold and not slushly with dirty snow.

anyhow whatever, never been happier. being here is great! i love city life with everything close by.

not to mention, i have 2 very crazy friends. typical sorority gals. under normal circumstances, i won't even think twice of hanging out with these people but u know what, is actually pretty fun. oh boy, they can really sweet talk their way through and at this italian restaurant, we even managed to get a plate of 6 diff flavors of gelato for free. shiok.

2007-03-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

this is so damn cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3Ez0TpeLL8

go check it people..

clip done by fanny when we went tahoe for skiing. i looked quite kuku and abit shy. hahahaha.

well done fanny! thanks a billion.

2007-03-11T17:53:00.001-07:00

oh boy, michigan is pretty damn cold but not as bad as i expected it to be. snow is everywhere.

not too big on the seminar though. is all about teaching you how to sell a product. is great if i were to embark on the business manager route but nop, i'm not. americans do that much better. i suck as bs-ing so i'm the quietest one in class. not liking it here. time needs to pass faster so that i can go chicago and PLAY.

i hate it here now. 4 more days to go.

2007-03-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

oh boy, michigan is pretty damn cold but not as bad as i expected as it to be.

not too big on the seminar though. is all about teaching you how to sell a product. is great if i were to embark on the business manager route but nop, i'm not. americans do that much better. i suck as bs-ing so i'm the quietest one in class. not liking it here. time needs to pass faster so that i can go chicago and PLAY.

i hate it here now. 4 more days to go.

2007-03-08T18:27:00.000-08:00

lifz has been good to me.

i just had my performance review. it went very well. i'm thankful.

thankful that i have such great bosses (though is not rosy all the time, i am very lucky compare to most of my peers)

how great it is if i have mark and my family here to share the joy.

just either would be good enough. am i greedy?

you know what i feel like.... a princess trapped in a castle.

2007-03-06T19:51:00.000-08:00

i read the post on mr brown's blog --- "breed", that even less educated women don't want children.

not surprising in my opinion.

if is not for my faith, that is exactly what i plan to do. children are a hugh liability. returns are not only zero but might go into deficit too.

this is one issue that mark and i have been squabbering about. it has been an issue for a while now.. with no consensus quite yet.

i admire my parents. how can one be so selfless? that i dont know. if you ask me if i would spend XXX,XXX amount to send my child overseas for an education.. highly impossible would be my most honest answer.

worries come with having children. as if, work and life have not enough of that already.

one more? no thanks.

but then, God says to cast all anxiety on him. that's why i say, if is not for my faith, i would not even think twice about this issue .

2007-03-06T19:41:00.000-08:00

pretty ironic.

singapore felt the tremor from sumatra yesterday. a pretty strong one i would say, 6.3 on the richie scale. just last week, pete warned me about earthquake here as northern to central california have had that recently and us folks should be next down the strip ....

but the unexpected. singapore felt it first.

2007-03-05T19:54:00.000-08:00

oh dammit. i hate next week. going to freeze my arse off.

will be off to michigan and chicago for seminar first and then a 3 days' vacation. temp hovering around -ve to low positive; not to mention the wind chill factor, esp in CHICAGO. how great is that!

being the kiasu singaporean to prevent myself from getting frozen, im stuffing my suitcase with clothes. i'm trying to make sure that everything can fit into my cabin bag but from the looks of it, that ain't happen i think.

oh dammit.

2007-03-04T14:55:00.000-08:00

i'm okay. though not great but still hanging there.

some days were good and some not so.. and i know that alot of people care for me so im slowly picking myself up.

just as i type, the tree outside my house is starting to bloom. weird but yes, flowers are popping out from the branches.

california is gorgeous. the other day as i was driving home, i could see snow on the mountain and yet it was 70 farenheit (about 22 celsius) here in the city with clear blue sky. where else can i get this?

work has been good. in an effort to cheer me up, my sbm asked if i wanted to join him and his wife for korean food on saturday. soon, it became quite an outing with my director coming along. it was fun and the food were fantastic. i have been lucky to have such great bosses.

life has been good to me but the puzzle is not complete.

2007-02-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

i have alot of things to say but i chose not to.

there are people who are reading this blog that i don't want them to worry about me.

all i can say is that california is very pretty. beaches are gorgeous, great places to shop & eat, weather is fantastic, a wonderful place above my head and a good job.

but to me, this city is too pretty to touch and why the intense emptiness in me?

somehow along the road, i have forgotten how to be strong and happy.

2007-02-22T19:39:00.000-08:00

winter in california

2007-02-22T19:32:00.000-08:00

life in california is great during winter

but reality is that life is not rosy as it seems to be.....

2007-02-16T21:07:00.000-08:00

sometimes.. i hope to lead a very normal & predictable life.

graduate from poly, if possible go to a local university and then off to work at a local firm. very simple kind of life and maybe an enclosed one too.

i have been here in the states for 5 years already. it is still very hard to deal with people leaving and all those long distance kind of things. maybe is just me, i'm a sucker for relationships.. friends leaving, me flying in and out of singapore, leaving all my friends in arizona and come to california and have to deal with a complete new environment again. it is tiring. as i grow older, i want a place called home. i'm sick of flying and people coming in and out of my life.

this time coming back from sin was especially hard. i don't know why.

i'm still trying hard to adjust back to life here again.. california is not my cup of tea. everything.. humans, places are just all too far off from each other. since coming here, i have been very grateful for the help and some very amazing people that i have gotten to know but.... i don't think i have been very happy.

like what i have said before, whether is at work or outside, im very grateful for things here but i'm not happy. maybe is time to go home for good soon.

i'm tried.

2007-02-14T18:42:00.000-08:00

i find this sight rather amusing. not that i'm surprised by it at all.

only THIS day; TODAY -- 14 Feb... that i see only men crowding around the flower area in the grocery shop.

2007-02-13T19:42:00.000-08:00

why does the nights seem so loooog now... i'm getting less stronger these days.

2007-02-12T18:03:00.000-08:00

damn cool!

now, my uncle is a msn junkie. after he discovered msn..FINALLY!!! he's always online. partly also, he now uses that to communicate when his customers from overseas.

i just told him.. it feels so good to see him online; makes me feel as if a family member is @ home with me.

2007-02-10T11:22:00.000-08:00

5 weeks are not that long..

but why do i feel like i'm no longer the same me before i left?

i've become so nonchalant to things.

2007-02-10T09:31:00.000-08:00

when i asked the server if grey goose (vodka) on the rocks come in half glass or full glass... this shows something is not quite right.

..............................my mind is still SINGAPORE!

this is not a question to be asked here cause is standard, it will always be to the brim. however, this is not the case in singapore. most of the time, it only comes in half glass. drinking in singapore is horrendously expensive.. which is good in a way.

2007-02-07T19:23:00.000-08:00

eat, drink, love... the beauty of my vacation.

it doesn't feel right being back here.

2007-02-07T19:22:00.001-08:00

2007-02-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

2007-02-07T19:16:00.000-08:00