Monday, December 29, 2008

Meet The Parents

More often, I can easily work a crowd like fish in water and specifically, I have never encountered any awkwardness when it comes to meeting the parents. With most of my friends' parents, I almost always end up being the cheery girl that they always remember by. The weekend episode couldn't have been more disastrous.

About 24 hours before the "event", I was told that I was invited. Me? No way... Now? What? Me? Again? WTF!? That was when the fluster began. Fighting within myself if I should even turn up. Deep down, I knew I had to. Well, it has never been too difficult at all so what's the difference.

What to wear - I was tossing and turning the night before before because I was planning to wear a dress for Aidan's 1st month do at Noble House but aborted the idea because it would seem like I'm overdressing for the housewarming or in my case, meeting the parents. So I carefully picked a top that wasn't too revealing and wore jeans. Now that's safe. Or so I thought... I suppose, it was but nothing actually could help the jitters, including the "what to wear" portion.

What to bring - Now that is hard. It's effectively a housewarming for a house that has everything... Almost I reckon and hello, I'm not going to turn up with an oven or toaster. My brains started to show signs of cracking up. I drove and drove and drove and thought of nothing I could bring. Went over to my cousin's place to seek help and viola, wine! So the very next hours were spend thinking what wine, how many, red/white, sparkling/still, budget, packaging and the list went on. Decided on a safe bet of an excellent pinot noir coupled with some recommended syrah which I'm never good at picking out the right one.

The plan - Work the crowd, i.e. work the parents.

Reality - My nerves got the better of me. Without any official introduction, I waved like a schoolgirl at school for the first time, waving to the discipline master and like a church mouse, I whispered "Hi Uncle". No handshakes, no merry christmas, no how are you doing, no self-introduction. NOTHING! I was like a block of ice and for the record, I was freezing from the nervewrecking "hi".

Subsequently, I heard someone mentioned the Mom looked rather fair. And my eyes starting to scan across the room and started to wonder, right... who's the Mom?

The night went on like a usual dinner with friends. It was when it came to the time to leave... Oh did I forgot to mentioned that everytime any of his parent walked past, I was magically turned into a block of wood. Time for goodbyes was my second and last chance for that day and I made no use of it at all. Slightly braver than my first try, I actually got "Bye Auntie... Bye Uncle..." out of my mouth but that was all. And yes, no merry christmas nor thank yous nor whatsoever. I scooted off like a thief...

I felt useless. I had to screw up this one thing that I'm actually good at. I just felt that I've screwed up everything. Bugger! Although deep down, I wish Moody Penguin could have just helped the situation a little by helping with a proper introduction and warm me up with things, I knew it was just my inability to rid those nerves. If only I could turn back time...

Friday, December 26, 2008

Tis' The Season To Be Jolly

It's been a week and I drafted several posts which I canned them eventually due to the lack of time to complete them. There's a lump in my throat and I'd better get that emotion out of my system before I go crazy and create more trouble for myself. Took the day off thinking I could do something meaningful but I ended up spending it like any other weekend, wandering around. Weekends are usually really precious to me especially after I started working. It's the only days in the week I could possibly sleep a little longer, laze a little more and enjoy that bit extra.

Over the Christmas week, I truly enjoyed myself. Not having done much significant but even if it means not having the need to speak but having your loved one hold your hand while driving round town, was the most enjoyable experience. Doing turkey and ham-filled dinners over at friends' place coupled with typical Chinese gathering gambling dens, I couldn't think of a better way to be spending Christmas. Oh well, last Christmas in NYC wasn't bad but it keeps getting better in a different way I suppose.

To have that someone with you does make that tad of a difference during seasons like this. Spoke to Alcoholic Empress Dowager and it sounds almost familiar things she shared but of course, hers in much greater magnitude. Attending events with everyone else coupled up, it really feels like crap. Girl, you know I'm here for you so do whatever that makes you happy because it's the ends that justify the means. But come Feb, I'll have to learn to ignore the lovey dovey spirits sprinkled along the streets, in every nook and cranny. If I go on, I'm not going to sound coherant so if you would excuse me...

Friday, December 19, 2008

Audi A6 is in Singapore!

After a sumptuous MSG-laden dinner last night with Attituder, Kimchi and Mrs FruitcakePabloHoney last night, I headed to the launch of the new Audi A6. Didn't get to take the car out for a test drive because my driver's licence was in the car and I wasn't superbly interested because it is a car beyond my means right now. Must say it looks very sleek and executive-like. It was the company that sent me into endless fits of laughter throughout the rest of the night. Adult jokes were those that most can relate to and with characters like Saints, SY69U and FruitcakePabloHoney, we were all very much, almost, rolling on the floor. With Moody Penguin away, much of the focus was inevitably on me but I didn't mind at all because I was honoured to be able to bring some smiles to people's faces.



The door gift was a planner for 2009. Looks pretty decent except that on their brochure that came along in the same bag, had a spelling mistake! (Refer to the picture below) I know I'm nitpicking but you can't afford such mistakes in advertising or marketing campaigns. Then again, people are just more concerned with the numbers. Just for the record - The A6 2.0 TFSI multitronic is going for S$165,800 and the A6 3.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic is going for S$238,000. Apart from the fact that it's a AWD, at the price of the 3litre variant, I'd pick a 335 over it. Easily. Then again, you would be of a different class of people altogether if you pick the A6 which is... Not too shabby afterall.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Did You Hear The Pin Drop?

Things have been so quiet. Nothing's moving. Everything's either stopping or have already stopped. The only noise to break the silence is more bad news. The only hope now is to have some major earthquake splitting the world into two and start getting all pumped into the economy after the grief settles. I'm not crazy enough to really want that to happen and I'm not even half as evil but if there are no casualties, I say, why not?

Plans for the customary wedding for Earlgrey is underway and all I can say, the boys are really gonna get it. When you get a few bitchy girls with some vicious blood streaming down their veins, this is what you get. All in the name of fun, we're not here to create permanent damages.

One for the mid-week...


Have a laugh...

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Skinny Stripes

Lunch with the SBW was funny today. The moment I got to the car, I couldn't stop laughing. Daftbitch and Bster both wore light blue striped shirt and guess what, I was wearing one too. Mr LTA then turned up in light blue striped shirt as well. Because of this, we even made friends with the people sitting on the same table, they were just too amused. Pictures would be up if you come back later...

Check this out - For girls with assets that you think might be too big for your own good, think again.

Please do not mistaken this as an attempt to boost my very own ego. Some girls out there like myself are troubled because we are curvy. It always seems like there's a wardrobe malfunction because of popping buttons and disconcerting glares. Dresses tend to fit us beautifully but only very selective dresses because we can’t fit the rest. And given the short legs that I’ve got, anything oversized will make me look like I’m swimming in them and eventually, my legs will go into hiding as if they are in shame. And trust me, boobs make you look FAT too. But only when you lose it conveniently after attempting to lose that 5 pounds you put on over your last buffet lunch, would you genuinely appreciate that it’s a gift. God made all of us different and we can’t have the best of everything. I do admit some do have the best of most but I’m not complaining. Neither should my better half (Haha!).

The writer of the above article cleverly highlighted the pains curvy girls have to be put through when the rest of the world just think that you're lucky and not appreciative but at the same time, think that you are one size bigger to be looking good enough. For myself, being short and having a skinny boyfriend doesn't help at all. But I'm grateful for what makes me the me that you see.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Atoming Away... Fast!

Last Saturday was well filled by the Ariel Atom affair. Had I not been consumed by the massive rain headache I've been having since Friday evening till now, I would probably have alot more fun. Having said that, I did enjoy myself. My main purpose for appearing was to assist RS4Cab aka Xiaohong should she need any help on that day since she was the main person in charge of the event itself. Before that, I hadn't heard much about the Ariel Atom let alone the need to wanna get a ride in it. My only impression of it was when Jeremy Clarkson's face looked funny when this sub 3 seconds car accelerated to heaven until my better half who was totally excited about having the opportunity to shoot it.

The road worthy one, if they pass LTA, will be here early 2009. The road version will have ginner headlights, wing mirrors and even has the IU unit. the track version would be going in excess of 170k in Singapore and the road worthy version will cost more than 280k. The cars do come with trailer at costs of about 30k and the cheapest variant at 26k. At top speed of about 170kph, it's not going to be the fastest car on the high end but from 1-100, it is lightning fast! Watch this on YouTube...

If you need or want to buy one, let me know...

Friday, December 12, 2008

Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You

Not about to kill you with lovey doveys. Just heard this song on the radio earlier while I was reading on and commenting on most men not being able to stay faithful after reading an article on Vivian Chow's unfaithful boyfriend whom she's been attached to for the past 20 years.

Love never stays as passionate as it is. It will evolve into a commitment, a habit and a lifestyle but one thing to always remember is that as much as love takes on a different form, love should still be love. It's easier said since I've only this many years of my life and in about a month's time, I'd be another year older. Even then, I've only tasted the easiest bit in life.

In Chow's case, even without marriage, some form of commitment is expected. Whether we're acknowleging the fact that she has accepted the man for the person who he is and fidelity takes backstage, it is secondary. The man for the person he should be, to promise to love and to hold, should never take such promises likely and to depart on the woman who did all to be there when you need a partner. I'm not saying this will only happen from men to women. Nowadays, gender plays a very little part in infidelity and betrayal.

Promises should not be taken likely and trust should not be taken for granted.

Question: Will a person who has once strayed continue to stray all the time down the road?

If I had to live my life without you near me
The days would all be empty
The nights would seem so long
With you I see forever oh so clearly
I might have been in love before
But it never felt this strong

Our dreams are young
And we both know they'll take us
Where we want to go

Hold me now
Touch me now
I don't want to live without you

Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You ought know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love

Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You ought know by now how much I love you
The world may change my whole life through
But nothing's gonna change my love for you

If the road ahead is not so easy,
Our love will lead the way for us
Like a guiding star
I'll be there for you if you should need me
You don't have to change a thing
I love you just the way you are
So come with me and share the view
I'll help you see forever too

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Kids Will Be Kids

I literally froze in front of my screen and gawk when I read this. But to be fair, when I look back, I have no idea how recession can affect. The most important thing in the world then was whether I could get the coolest toy in town. Nothing much has changed. This time round, recession hit me bad and for the first time in my life, I felt it. I fear... Living in fear that I might lose my job and the 2000 "what ifs" that follows. Thankfully, I went grocery shopping with my Mom often enough even when I was a child, so I could understand the value of daily necessities and wouldn't be living in denial that groceries costs can run up to the hundreds every week. Worked out some numbers last night, my only way out if to start making some money again.

Taken off AsiaOne
Thu, Dec 11, 2008
The Straits Times

By Lim Pow Hong & Seow Kai Lun

SINGAPORE'S school-going children seem unaware of terms such as 'recession' or 'economic downturn'.

To the average teenager, a budget meal costs $8 at a fast-food outlet and saving means putting aside money for a 'cool' $248 iPod nano. When they run out of cash, they just ask their parents for more.

The Straits Times polled 100 students - aged 13 to 19 - who received pocket money. Their responses showed most of them did not think the current recession here would affect their spending habits or that of their families.

Tips for parents

Start giving a child a fixed allowance at a young age, so that he learns the value of money.


Give allowances on a daily basis first, encouraging a child to save 10 per cent of it daily, before moving to a weekly, then monthly basis. Do this rather than giving lump sums of money.


A child should also be given an allowance in smaller denominations so he can save some immediately when he gets it.
Kids talk about money and spending

FAST FOOD OVER KOPITIAM
'I would rather eat fast food than go to the kopitiam to eat as the food there is not so nice.' -Ruthie Tan, 14, Tanjong Katong Girls' School

RACKING UP PHONE BILLS
'My parents got me to switch to prepaid cards so I wouldn't overspend on my phone bills. I have to spend $50 on two prepaid cards sometimes.' - Serene Heng, 13, Cedar Girls' Secondary School

GROCERIES COST THAT MUCH?
'My parents say that they spend $100 to $200 on groceries each time, but I don't believe it. How can they cost so much?' -Nur Fathin Ayunie, 13, Bukit View Secondary School

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Ai Race Mai

A popular slogan in one of the local car forums. Not meant to provoke anyone in hope of inviting a real race but just a fun one liner that was started way back when... it was still Ai Kum Mai which obviously is suggestive and the underlying connotation was definitely not allowed on the public forum. I just borrowed that for my title...

Was thinking about the topic Venetta Lopez brought up this morning. What is the main purpose of having the check box "Race" in some of the forms that we see? Doesn't that promote discrimination? Given all the efforts we've put in to create racial harmony, is that what we're going to do to separate the people again? Food for thought...

Some days ago, I read on the news on some Eurasian child who score tops in some PSLE for his racial group but he wasn't listed as a Eurasian child. In the very first place, why do officials have to separate the different races. The best should be named and awarded but truth is, it should matter more that you scored best in a certain field/subject rather than your race. The definitions of some races are still very grey. Would an American Asian mix be Eurasian? No? American with European ancestry and Asian mix?

And as for younger generations who can't speak their mother tongue? Is it that important? I was brought up to be effectively bilingual and trust me, helped me a great deal in handling many situations in life and of course, my job. Mother tongue or not, having the ability to be able to speak more than one languages will definitely help. As much as I'd like to advocate one to pursue their mother tongue and be able to at least speak it, I am not ready to put anyone down based on their inability to do so. But I do know with my kids in future, I'd want them to be able to speak their mother tongue just because they have the advantage than to pick up something totally foreign.

What's your take?

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Orchard Road

It's been eons since I last walked around Orchard. In search of a purple dress, the town was combed through resulting in cramped up thighs the next day. The Christmas lightings were up and the crowd was amazing. I literally had to weave past the crowds to get from building to building. The sea of people with cameras of sorts ranging from the point & shoot to the big bazooka looking ones filled up the streets. It was a mess but oddly enough, I enjoyed it.

Except for the hiccup that ended the day, it was a great day out. Aimlessly walking and window shopping, stopping occasionally for a drink or munchbits, it's warm to have someone walking with you and breathing in the holiday spirit together. As much as it was tiring and left me with a bad left leg the next day, I wouldn't mind doing it yet again. This time, I'll make sure I charge myself up with enough carbos along the way to stop me from turning into a hungry monster.

Go down and explore Orchard Road if you haven't done so in a long time...

To the person who left the last comment - I appreciate that you're taking time to read my crap. I take pride that people do at least read the shitload of them. It's my outlet and I'm sure you have benefitted tremendously from it.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now.

Friday, December 05, 2008

Lovingly DIY-ed by Moody Penguin.

Patiently wrapped by the above mentioned.




One of the toughest part.




Smoothly wrapped...




Toughest piece on the car. Totally awesome.




Entirely changed how Kokoro looks...




Other amazing details...




Panel above glove box done up in dry CF as well.




Enjoy...




There are many things in life we want and not need. To sticker the panels in my car is neither. I thought it would look good but wasn't too tempted to get anything done. It didn't matter if I had it or not but I'm telling you, this is one of the best gift ever! It takes alot of patience and it speaks words that one can't bring out of themselves or concern stuck behind the veil of the inability to display it. I'm thankful not because I now have CF trimmings but I know you care.

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Grey Grey and More Grey Grey

Stepping out of Amara after lunching with Daftbitch and Bster, all we saw was grey. Rain was imminent and the two of them just ran off. Before I could walk to the other end of the building, it started to pour like cats and dogs and I was trapped. Texted Wuuu Wuuu and borrowed his heavy duty brolly only to find out that it was mildly leaking but good enough nonetheless. My shoes trapped a gallon of rain water but the rest of me was still relatively dry.

Moody Penguin took half an hour and a bucket of perspiration last night to remove the interior trimmings from Kokoro. He's going to stick on the dry carbon fibre sticker these couple of days and Kokoro's interior would look vastly different. Frankly, I'm not a CF crazy person and could do with the current trimmings but I was a willing guinea pig and knowing that he would put in his heart and soul to make it right, I trusted him to try his new skill out on Kokoro. After some little and somewhat insignificant dents here and there, he finally found the easy way to do it. Pictures should be up once it's done.

Now for the more exciting part - I've been thinking of getting the Gruppe M for the longest time ever but couldn't bring myself to dump so much money into it given the current bearish market. There was someone offering it on the forum at a good price and even then, I didn't waver enough to take the plunge. Moody Penguin then decided to tell me about his plans for my Christmas pressie. And you've guessed it, Christmas came early for me this year. I picked the air intake over a gift that could possibly melt most girls' heart. I just couldn't say no to the giant piece of carbon fibre that produces that beautiful sound... Pictures will be up when it's up and running... I hope...

Thanks Darling...

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

I Think & I Think... Too Much...

Mentally tired. A phrase overused by me but nonetheless, carries the meaning it was meant to. Thoughts bugged me although things may have taken a whole new meaning. I contradict myself all the time. I pressed on against what I dread to face. Standing alone, the determination that surrounds the doubts is unbelieveable. I'm amazed at myself.

Every step is taken with care. Should this be or not to be?

Following steps previously laid out only puts one in fear of making the same mistake or never emerging to see daylight. Not being able to carve out your own route, you will just be living under shadows. Abandoning the entire trail has never been a choice until the fatique sets in. Doubts still circles the air.

With clouds above one's head, you flout the basic rules. The need to feel deserved should be put back into place. The need to be appreciated lingers on.

Monday, December 01, 2008

Peace on Earth

"Peace on earth
Goodwill to men"


A Christmas carol that tugs a tear from the corner of my eye. In the light of the Mumbai terror and the death of Lo Hwei Yen, someone whom I remember to be cheerful and sweet though I don't know her too well on a personal level, it came to me that we are taking peace for granted. The past years of being able to sing our carols in absolute peace and dragging our lazy bodies to attend the Christmas service that's always held early in the morning, we have taken it for granted. We take it for granted that we're able to spend our next Christmas with the same people we hold dear. At this moment, I can only pray that Michael is taking this well. This is not easy for a man who's involved in politics and have his wife lost in a political struggle. Only having had a brief encounter with Michael once, he came across as a very nice and friendly person who loves people around him, be it his friends or family. I'm very sorry for his loss. No words can ever describe the grief he's going through right now. I can only pray that Hwei Yen is in God's good hands... Michael, you take care.

Looking back at my little episode in Phuket some months back, I feel so much luckier than the people stuck in Bangkok right now. Yet another political act that has proved to be disturbing. However, I must say that the Thais have made efforts, even during their protest, that they reassure the tourists that they are not intending to hurt them but purely fighting for that they believe in. In that aspect, they do have my respect for fighting for what they want although they have no doubt, inconvenienced others.

Among all the gloomy news, I have a special announcement to make. A joyous one...

Baby Aidan was born on the 29th Nov 2008, at around 7 pm weighing 3.01kg. Congratulations to his parents and he can be quite sure that the uncles and aunties in the group would pamper him like no other.


Peace on earth... Such simple words, so hard to achieve.
Hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations rise;
Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic host proclaim
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"