Another exhausting weekend

Saturday after a relaxed breakfast & getting the paint & tools, we started the painting task. Err... actually we still shopped around a bit & only reached home around 1pm.

What seemed like a facile job took us almost 6 hours to complete. In the midst we're interrupted by the rain.. that's the last thing you would want when painting is in progress. Thank God it wasn't that bad (we thought we could only continue the next day) as it didn't rain for too long & the area actually dried up very quickly with the strong wind & sun.

My honey @ work

At night, we rewarded ourselves with a nice & cheap set dinner at Miss Clarity Cafe, Upper Thomson branch. It's crowded. Diners still streaming in when we left past 9pm. Another good recommendation from hubby :)



Yesterday, we spent a few hours in AMK Hub & only left for home around 3pm.

Cleaned all the windows & it's definitely no easy chore! I tried to take on more of the strength consuming tasks as hubby's arms haven't recovered. I haven't been using so much strength for a long long time... ever since I knew hubby. But no choice, his arms decided to give troubles at this time of the year & the things we've to do, we still gotta do.

We cleaned the whole house after doing the windows. Then, put on the curtains which were back from dry cleaning last Thurs. Finally! It's a big relief that most of the big chores were done. We tried to do most of the stuff this week as there're some changes in next week's schedule. Basically we're left with no time to do anything other than, perhaps, the sofa.

Truly tired after 2 consecutive weeks of hard work. But feel accomplished:) Think we'll get cleaning service to do it for us next year.

Think of it... we're particularly busy this year. Perhaps this will be the first year that we've a proper CNY celebration in our own home.

By the way we like the Soup Restaurant (三盅两件) in AMK Hub. Very chinese tea-house interior, which's their usual style, & we're led to somewhat a booth. There's privacy but not completely as thin layers of burgundy organza serve as the partition between seats.

If nothing goes wrong ...

We'll be going to Korea end of next month! Yay!


We're going with hubby's colleagues as this is their company incentive trip & hubby's bringing me along.. hee!

Itinerary includes ski resort + seoul + extension on our own. :D

Exhausted

FIL celebrated his 60th birthday on Sat & he requested to have it at the premise of his association, with all his siblings & families. We arrived early, before 6pm, as hubby & I took charge of the catering.

Both presentation & taste of the food were below average, perhaps except the deep-fried prawn with tartar sauce. We're disappointed given that it's supposed to be quite a reliable name with a chain of restaurants (Gim Tim). We purposely ordered that as FIL likes traditional chinese food & he likes Gim Tim too.

I sat by the road. Waiting for the stale air in the room (maybe the place was locked up for too long) to go off before we went back in.

Had some small chats here & there... caught up quite a bit with Constance too. Left the place past 9pm but that's not the end of the night yet. Went to Mustafa with Ben (BIL), June & Kelvin (June's hubby). Initially hubby wasn't for it but I thought it could be interesting since it's only less than a minute's walk away. After getting June's fan (to put in her office) together, we split up. June & I amused ourselves in the ladies department (mainly shoes & accessories) while hubby went to the stationery's, Ben to browse CDs & Kelvin to join the long Q at cashier & then brought it to his car. Were chatting & shopping so much that we didn't know it's already 11pm+. Gathered the guys & we went for teh chino/tarik at a nearby indian coffeeshop. Had lots of lame jokes there before one of the uncles called & kinda chided June for leaving lil Rylie behind for too long. My poor MIL must have been totally worn down as it's already past 12am by then. If no one called, we could have easily stayed there till 1am haha.

An unusual night for me but definitely an enjoyable one.

Other than this, we spent the entire weekend doing spring cleaning. At least there's some results. Cleared the 2 stores (one maid's room & one small one in the hall), wardrobes & bookshelf. Tired tired. And that's not the end of our spring cleaning.

Also went Chinatown last Fri night. I replenished some of my mineral makeup at Central before meeting hubby for dinner, then the night market. Bought a few items... the biggest item gotta be the Taiwanese mochi & pudding that nearly cost us $50. When we wanted to reduce the quantity as we wouldn't want to pay that much for some tidbits, the guy automatically dropped the price to $35 & gave us many more mochi. Wow.

A fruitful weekend.

Revealed, for the first time

I like kids. To be precise, I like playing with kids. I can't imagine dedicating most of our time & money to take care of a child. I simply enjoy our couple-time too much. However I always get nagged at after voicing out this part of my thinking... "it's like this but once you have one, you'll naturally put your baby in the first place... you're no longer young, still don't want to give birth??... how can a family be complete without kids?? ...".

But I really don't feel the maternal call.

However it's true that I'm running out of time, my biological clock I mean. It's a crude fact. It's also my responsibility as a wife. Observing how Vince takes care of the kids around & is being well-liked by them, I don't doubt that hubby will be a good daddy. A playful one too ;)

Much as I wasn't for the idea of conceiving (I've acknowledged that the word 'not ready' is more appropriate for those who're younger as I've been rebutted too many times "huh? how old are you already? still not ready??" that I decide to take these 2 words off my mouth), I couldn't bring myself to explain to hubby. I wasn't even able to have a valid answer for myself about the unreadiness especially given my age, how was I going to convince him?

While trying to tell myself it's part & parcel of being married, I couldn't help but let out a big sigh of relief silently over a few times of false alarm.

Then some time mid of last year, hubby wanted to talk to me & asked me to keep an open mind about what he's going to say. He told me he's very contented with our present life-style. He'd be happy if we were to have a little one of our own but without, we've another type of joy. He didn't believe that a family could only be complete & blissful by expanding it. He'd been wanting to tell me when I started to talk about conceiving but was worried he couldn't put it right lest I misunderstood. Afterall it's a sensitive issue.

I couldn't believe it. His thoughts were like a duplicate set of mine! When I recalled, I think he did try to drop hints like "even next time with kids, they'll never take your place in my heart... next time if without kids, we would be able to save more & tour around the world together...".

Though I always claim we've telepathy, never did I expect it would be to this extent. It's gonna be very tough if we couldn't see eye to eye. So we thank God for us.

Nearly 90% of my friends are married with kids. Those of hubby are starting to go this direction too. And we've nieces & nephew. In a way we're well surrounded by young families. Though everyone's sharing how much joy children have brought to them & how their lives been changed, we do not yearn to be parents.

And I'm surprised that in our modern world, there're still people telling me to have a baby to 'spice' up otherwise monotonous life (did I ever say our married life is monotonous??). Kids will keep a marriage intact (err... no... I don't believe in this too after being through & seeing so much). We're extremely happy like this, cannot meh?

Both of us also don't believe in 养儿防老, perhaps it's due to what we see around us. The closest example is actually found in my own family, sadly. I can't explain how we think exactly & why, it's just amazing that we've the same conviction. That's the most important.

Having said the above, we're taking it naturally. We'll be thankful if down the road we've Vincent &/or Kelly junior as children are very precious gift from God. Without, we're happy to enjoy our love life. So carefree. We never run out of things to do... even a walk downstairs is so relishable.

We both agree what's more important is our health. Especially this year, I wish I will be healthier.

This is supposed to be our secret as we've decided to stop explaining ourselves to others. It's really an earful to be getting the same old & long 'advice'. They don't understand us. Thank God our families from both sides have been really cool about it. No question asked so far. Those who nag are surprisingly friends & colleagues (mine).

So if you read this, the next time you meet us you know what to say & what not right? :)

One day we might have a different take on our priorities in life. If this really happens, I pray that God will change the both of us at the same time, just like how He's done to us about half a year ago.

I have a husband who ...

... showers me with lots of cuddles & kisses every day
... assures me he'll hold my hand & together walk through the rocky path that I'm on
... pulls me in his arms & tells me everything will be fine when I'm in despair
... feels his world is crashing down whenever I'm upset
... involves me in every part of his life
... enthuses to participate in mine
... is proud to introduce me to everyone he knows
... frequently talks about me with his colleagues
... 100% supports me in taking on challenges
... can't bring himself to say no to all my requests
... doesn't hesitate to defend & protect me in his family
... says my joy is his joy
... takes good care of me when I am sick even if it's for the 101th time in a month
... still opens the car door for me every single time
... waits for me patiently without a word of complaint
... appreciates all big & small things I've done for him
... respects my mum
... chauffeurs my mum even when I'm not around
... plays the middle-man when I'm overwhelmed with my mum
... adores me when I'm all dressed up
... still loves me when I'm a plain jane
... thinks I am the most beautiful girl in his eyes
... says I'm his Princess & treats me like one
... finds my silly jokes hilarious
... picks me up at doorstep wherever I am & doesn't mind the trouble at all
... does all the laundry
... irons for me
... packs my handbag for me every morning
... sews for me
... wants to take on all housework so I can rest well
... pulls the chair for me
... gives me an hour's foot massage every other night
... sings to me when I can't sleep
... is also my shopping buddy
... feels as excited as me over a new shopping loot
... knows my wardrobe inside out
... never finds my girly stuff (cosmetics, accessories) a bore
... goes all out to get me what I want, no matter how insignificant the item seems

Productivity

A week ago, we drafted a work schedule for the following 4 weekends. There're just so many things to do!

And last weekend, we're at both ends of the scale.

Sat morning we woke up pretty early & as planned, hubby took down all the curtains that will be collected this afternoon for dry cleaning. The chore took only half an hour, much lesser time needed than what we expected. Glad we're well in schedule. But I was happy too soon. The paint & rack (both for our planter areas) that were in Sat/Sun's list were not purchased. Mainly due to some last minute matters...

On Sat, I had an 80-min phone conversation with Constance. I just had a shower & was getting ready to go out with hubby & had to drop everything to talk with her. She's having some problems. Then hubby was stuck in a long Q at a nearby clinic (he's diagnosed by doc as having ligament inflammation). On Sun, hubby had to work on his reports which he brought home to do.

What was productive for us then? Shopping! :þ

Were shopping in Orchard Road 3 - 9.30pm and had gotten enough clothes for CNY. Hee. Bumped into the sister of hubby's ex, Michelle. Few weeks ago, it's her brother. Perhaps we're 'destined' to meet every now & then (a couple of times with each of them already). Haha. Whereas we haven't met any other friends at all nor more than once over a period.

On Sunday, after hubby finished his work, we went to Thomson Plaza to buy me another pair of shoes instead of getting the rack for our plants. I bought 3 pairs there the Sunday before & one of them is especially comfy. So before the size runs out, we went to grab another pair in different color. :)

Cravings

I so miss Swa Garden's deep-fried prawns with mayo & their signature fried kway teow.

But I'm having sore throat, on & off, for almost a week. :(

Hike hike hike

I was checking out the rates @ Ritz Carlton Singapore for one of our important guests. Know what, a Marina View Deluxe Room is going for S$480++ per night. And that's supposed to be our corporate rate. Last year, ours was S$350++ & with exactly S$480++, we could book a Marina View Premier Suite. In 2008, a Premier Suite Marina View is @ S$600++!

According to the manager, generally Singapore hotels have increased their rates 25% - 35% this year. If you are thinking about the period for F1 race in end Sept, please get ready at least S$2,000 for the same Premier Suite.

But despair not, the good news is... there are still weekend packages that start from S$330++.

Glad we wedded 2 years ago.

Everything's getting more & more expensive. Tsk tsk..

Rare topic

Besides monetary remuneration, I guess the best satisfaction one could derive from his job is recognition from the boss.

Vince now reports to a great boss who's always willing to give opportunities to learn & to advance, who's also caring & clicks very well with subordinates & colleagues. Knowing it's just a matter of time that hubby will leave as this is not exactly what he wants to do, last week his boss proposed a newly created position to him with a totally different set of JD. Very interesting yet challenging. Good advancement prospects too if there's result.

Currently hubby's very busy as he's wearing 2 hats till someone takes over his present job. Heard they're about to conduct interviews... meaning he'll still have to juggle for at least another month?

As for me, be ready for another long story............

I had the biggest quarrel with my boss last April. The root of it was my Vietnam trip. It's a preparatory trip for the following month's commercial mission. Told him prior to my departure that I only needed 2 days in Hanoi, 2 days in HCMC & could be back on Thurs instead of Fri. But he wasn't for it as he thought I should try to do more in Vietnam & be back on Fri as planned. However I still went ahead to book myself a flight back on Thurs. At HCMC airport, boss happened to call. When he knew I was about to board a plane, he was furious. Really furious & shouted that I didn't inform him. I argued but the real reason was I knew he'd object to it. I could have obeyed by staying for another day & night without any agenda, just for leisure. But I had work on hand.. I wanted to come back to settle the urgent matters. There's so much to do within a month. And of course, it's also because I missed hubby terribly & wanted to see him sooner.

That's the 1st time in all these years I've worked for him that he raised his voice at me & got so angry. I knew I was at fault. I could have a million reasons but I guess he felt disrespected. To think the stress from the upcoming events had overpowered me so much that I risked angering him. After he slammed my phone, I knew it's time for me to go. I'd enough of those mission problems which seemed to be getting from bad to worse & then my boss.

So I resigned the next day & determined to go even after he spent nearly an hour persuading me to stay. But before I knew what I was getting myself into, I relented to giving him 5.5 months' notice, ie end Sept. Even for someone who holds a senior management position only needs to give 3 months! Hubby was too shock to comment when I called & told him. Everyone said I was stupid. I think I was. My weakness is always being too soft-hearted. Afterall he's been nice to me (except for a few times). He'd also proposed some attractive monetary conditions (not pay increment though as he said it's difficult since the principal didn't increase our contract fees). Told me I would always be welcomed to stay if I were to change my mind.

Not long after I tendered, big boss who's based in Jakarta also had a word with me. He wanted to keep me in the company but I was vague.

In August when boss was back from his 1-month vacation, I told him I would stay till Feb 2008 since it's not easy to get a job nearing year end. And I could also take things much easier as there wasn't much work from Oct - Feb. Surprisingly he's happy about my decision, saying he wouldn't want to give up any chance of me staying. But I was glad to be leaving at the right time as there would be major restructuring by our principal to all international reps this April.

Just last Thursday, boss had another round of talk with me. He again wished that I would stay. My decision: I'll stay. Why? He intended to match the pay I'd in mind (to my surprise!) while doing lesser of the routine. The 'mission' part would still be there but the big attraction gotta be less travelling for me. He repeatedly said that he's happy with my performance (& each time he said that he had to add "but if similar incident happens again, I'll still do the same" :\). Obviously he's truly upset with what happened previously. Frankly, who wouldn't? I've to agree with him that I'm used to not having anyone lording over me most of the time. And that it's better to work for a boss who appreciates me than for someone who doesn't. The fact that he does come to me whenever he has doubts in his English & often says I'm his English teacher somewhat flatters me, to think that it’s your knowledgeable & autocratic boss says that to you. And I seriously do not think my English is that good at all.

I couldn't think of a valid reason to reject. Not as yet. Besides, I do enjoy the privacy & convenience of the office.

Of course, what he proposed to me would have to first go through our principal.

Was especially touched when he said in the event that our relationship with principal failed, he still wished that I would continue working for him. That's if I'm willing to have a complete job switch. Till then I'll think about it.

We must thank God that He gave the both of us some form of assurance almost at the same time.

That doesn't mean we won't face any hardship or criticism at work. It might just be the next minute that the boss thinks my report sucks.

So just rejoice while we can & brace up during the tough times.

Dress-Ups

Since the commencement of our bathroom renovation, we've been shopping for toilet & related stuff. Following the completion of our bathroom, was the expansion of our territory.

Perhaps it's nearing Lunar New Year, the latest interest is... our bedroom.

The Sunday in mid Dec, we're getting Christmas presents at Robinsons Raffles City when stumbled upon their member's sale which was very attractive. The minimum was 20%(existing to the public)+20%(for members) discounts storewide. Atop, another 5% rebate as per statement. As Robinsons is known for premium bedlinen, we wouldn't want to miss the chance in bagging any good find. Spent more than 2 hours in that department, couldn't decide which brand to get. Eventually left with 2 full quilt cover sets & some Elle towels. Both sets went down by 50%+20%. Great deal. Especially the one from Jean Perry, would have been about S$400 originally but we paid less than S$160. And S$130 for the other set (U.P. S$320).

On New Year's Eve, we're again shopping for our bed at Taka which coincidentally is having a promotion on household items "HomeTalk" till 13Jan. This time round, we got 2 new pillows, quilt, more towels & another set of quilt cover. Also got 1 set for mum. While most of the people in Orchard were getting to their NYE dinner/celebration, we're struggling with oversized carriers (and you know how bulky can pillows & quilt be?) in the crowd as we parked our car at Shaw House (Lido). Had so much to carry that we gotta make 2 trips. And the throngs of people didn't make our job easier. Nevertheless, we're happy.

It's scary that even this can become an addiction. Hee.

All in all, think we've bought nearly S$1,000 of bedding items. Glad we had some Taka vouchers to buffer the damages ;)

I was just thinking... have we advanced to the next level? To think that we're grabbing household products everywhere, especially during those moments when in the past we would be getting ready to party. But hubby was happy about the evolvement. Hmm.

But of course, I still shop pretty extensively for clothes & cosmetics. :P

So our bed now has 3 new sets of exquisite & cher clothes! Only problem will be which to choose for the coming new year.

New look

We've a new bathroom for Christmas. Well it's actually half new only ;)

Happy with the changes

Concept is to keep the place simple.
We insisted on not having any built-in cabinet below the vanity top.

Prefer storage with rollers for mobility when washing bathroom.

A different picture as well. Fondly reminded of those sweet memories (the métro train in Paris) when doing business. Hee.

Besides the tiles at the lower portion, changed the whole shower screen too.

Our bedroom of 2 weeks. More like a foreign workers' quarter though...
But were thankful enough to have somewhere to sleep in during those 2 weeks.

Our toilet was ready the week before Christmas. Lots of cleaning up but all was done by my poor hubby on a Tues night after work. From washing the toilet to cleaning our bedroom (because of the dust), etc, as his wife wasn't feeling well.

And I really don't mean to bring the mood down ....

We welcomed a brand new year peacefully.. just the both of us.

It all started in 2004 when the heartwrenching news about daddy first broken in the supposedly joyous & festive month. I was crying everyday & the only comfort was having hubby (then boyfriend) with me. That year's Christmas/New Year, we spent most time at home... I wanted to be near daddy. Same in 2005 but, already, daddy had to spend the New Year & Lunar New Year in hospital.

Since then, we would prefer to spend the Eves this way... as long as we have each other, celebration in any form is a bonus. May sound cliché to many but this is exactly how we feel.

Perhaps it's due to the fact that I'm still very much reminded of the unforgettable past in 2004, 2005 & of course 2006's CNY. Perhaps deep down in my heart, I'm too concerned about mum having to spend these nights by herself. Though she didn't show it at all or join us in the living room, I believe it feels good to know that you're not alone at home during those joyous occasions.

I'm just too thankful to God that Vince is someone who prefers to spend couple time. Or maybe he's just being very understanding & supportive.

Who knows one day, we might change the style of celebrating?

And to think that Michelle & David lost their mum on Christmas Day (just past midnight)... it could have been even harder for them.

Happy New Year !

It's been a long silence. Nope, we didn't get outta Singapore. Though during the Christmas/New Year week, worked only 1.5 day as we took leave on 26 & 27 Dec.

What have we done then? Lots of shopping & time on DVDs amid the festivities ....

Christmas @ home.

Hazelnut-Almond Ice Cream Log Cake from Swensen's

My present from hubby & you know what's inside ;)
It's so nicely wrapped by him that not a trace of the adhesive tape was shown. Yet he said it's tough especially the ribbon which was his very first attempt on a present. Lovely.
Afterall I don't think it's that difficult for someone who can sew considerably well (especially as a guy).. hee.

His present from me. A bangle. Glad he loves it!

Our 2nd present for each other (wrapped in one).

Nice rings!

We woke up late on Boxing Day. Attended the funeral wake of a good friend's mum. We used to be like sisters. In fact, know her younger brother very well too. We're all friends of 18 years. It's a sad reality that at our age, parents begin to leave us. So cherish them while you can.
Went for hi-tea after the wake.

Shooting up to 226 metres above sea level in just a minute.

@ Equinox.

Everything always appears to be fast moving during holidays & weekends.
Saturday was spent on miscellaneous stuff like getting my hair products from Parkway, pedicure & shopping in Orchard.
At least on Sunday, we accomplished some thing 'big'. Cleared an item which had been collecting dust for the longest time in the bomb shelter. It's Tubby-boy's cage. Would have headache whenever we tried to think how we could get rid of it. FYI, the dimension is 94x58x140cm & it's squeezed into the bomb shelter. We spent nearly 3 hours dismantling it & wrapping the pieces up carefully so they would not dirty our car. Brought the wrapped pieces to the nearest rubbish collection centre. In total, took about 5 hours to get it done. We could have paid the cleaners $30 to dispose for us but we thought we could do it ourselves. Not an easy job but finally... well it's a good kickoff of the spring cleaning that's going to happen this month.

Worked half day on New Year's Eve & went shopping again in Orchard till late evening. As for dinner, hubby brought me to an authentic Teochew restaurant, Swa Garden, somewhere in Macpherson & we enjoyed every bit of the food. He said the first time he went with colleagues weeks ago, he'd wanted so much to bring me there :)

Went straight home after dinner.

When we got home, we spent some time by the pool. Counting our blessings while enjoying a peach soda. Also talked about what we needed to improve on... sort of some new year resolutions for us. Meaningful.

Were relaxing. It's good.. not too far from laughters & music of the merry-making crowds (there're event in the multi-purpose hall & people BBQing) yet enjoying our own time together.

1 last picture for year 2007 :)

Opened the bottle of Rosé wine we bought during our honeymoon in France.

Cheers to 2008!