this stray puppy

It has been a month since an accident cost a stray puppy her fore limb. She was crying in pain when I saw her hiding under the container office.



We (Yati, Alan & myself) called the SPCA and they advised that we send her for medical treatment. After much discussion, we sent her to Mt Pleasant. We were introduced to Dr Heng who did an x-ray on her. The x-ray showed that her bones are not fractured... but why cant she move her limb? She recommended that this puppy be put on observation for a couple of days.

Day 2 - Dr Heng called.. saying that she need to amputate her. What a shocking news to handle. Should we amputate her or put her to sleep (this is what happen when you send an injuried dog to SPCA). Dr Heng encouraged us to amputate her because the surgery will give her a lease of new life (without dragging the "useless" limb around) however we need to look for a committed care-giver. Dr Heng was helpful as she helped us to look for 1. She introduced "Noahsark" and it was indeed a great recommendation.

Day 3 - Yati and me visited this puppy... from the entrance of the clinic I heard a dog crying in pain. Little did I know that it was the stray we knew. Dr Heng confirmed to us that it was her. Me and yati (being so emotional) cried in front of the vet. (hahahaha... how embarrassing). The pup was in pain because she was sterilised too (double the pain!!). Its was so heart - wrenching to hear the cries... its like you hearing a helpless baby crying for some care and love as he just woken up from the surgery pain.

Anyhow, everything is a past now and she has found a lovely owner and a home full of warm. I am so happy for her. :)



Here is the blog about her.... JOLIE. http://noahsarkcares.blogspot.com/2009/06/jolies-tale.html

Opppsss...

I am only just a fw weeks shy from the two months annivesary for staying with MIL .. I almost broke her antique iron. :S

She brought the iron all the way from Penang and have used it for years.... yet me.. only used it for a few times.. it slipped off the edge. luckily its still working. PHEW!

I got myself a steam iron yesterday though. Think its better to use my own then to "destroy" hers.

Last Goodbye......

I was trying to get some forty winks while taking the train back last night but I could not get any. The images of my grandmother saying her last good bye to me kept coming up. My paternal grandma, whom i always call "ahma", passed away on January 27. The last time she spoke to me was January 24 ... that was her last goodbye.

Although she left us almost 2 months ago, I remember vividly that the whole family was by her bedside during her last moments. We saw her heartbeat at 30 beats/min at one moment and other moment at 180 beats /min. She did not open her eyes to see but I believe she could hear us and feel us. Everyone cried.. including my parents. I have never seen my dad drop a tear before (maybe once during my grandpa's funeral). My mother (whom could not get along with my grandma,, you know.. the mother & daughter-in-law matters...) cried too. It was a heart wenching sight... because my grandma used to be a very strong woman yet she now she's on tubes and oxygen. About 15minutes later, my grandma's heartbeat stopped.. I felt happy for her actually as she ended her life peacefully. We assured her that we will take care of our two unmarried uncles.

I haven't got the chance to go back home yet... I dont know how it is to see the living room without the bed that my grandma used to sleep on. She has been on that bed shortly after my grandfather passed away in Nov 1997.

Life goes on.. I hope that she will have a blessed new life with lots of helpful people around her.

Looking forward to my honeymoon @ MALDIVES!

YIPEE, in less than 2 more weeks, my hubby and I will be heading to Maldives, the paradise on Earth! It will be our 1st and last trip to this place.. because we want to see this beautiful island and yet due to the climate change, Maldives will soon (how soon??? I dont know) be sinking. (source: CNN). It is indeed a sad news but what can we do in this industralised age.

Ok.. lets get back to the original topic. We will arrive in Male (the captial of Maldives) by night. It is estimated to be a 6 hours flight. Maldives is located south of India and it seats on the India Ocean. (Did you spot Maldives on the map?)

We will 1st put up at the Marble Hotel before relocating to Conrad Rangali on the next morning.

To reach Conrad, which is located at the Rangali Island, we will be taking the Seaplane to travel another 90km to reach Ari Atoll. So what's our plan there? beside lazing around on the private beach we will either dive, do snorkeling safaris, Island hopping, Night Fishing, local island trips,
Sub Aqua Diving.

Okie... will be there to get lots and lots of pics.

Priority Seat

What's the meaning of "PRIORITY SEAT"?

About a week ago while on the (crowded) train back home (off peak hours), I heard two strangers (1 elderly man & 1 middle age man) quarrelling... over a seat (-.-)

The elderly man was fiecrely pointing at the "Priority seat" signage to the middle age man, demanding that man to give up his seat. That man did give up his seat but said, "ah Pek, I paid for the seat too le~~!"

The elderly sat down but was obviously furious after hearing such words. He rebuted, "Didn't you see this sign???!!" (point point point) The middle age man replied, "Yes, I saw the sign but you dun have to talk like that."

Actually the middle age man wasnt seating on the corner seat. He was seating on the 2nd seat.

Both of them went on and on which created a scene as the ah pek said he wanted to complain to the train operator.

Then the middle age man said, "uncle... if u want priority, tell your sons, daughters, grandson, etc. to buy you a car if not an aeroplane so to bring you around with top priority instead of fighting for a seat in the public. and.. uncle if you keep talking so loudly, be careful of your health. You will get high blood pressure"

This comment was funny.. I was giggling after I heard it. Anyhow, the middle age man reached his destination and left.

Personnally, I felt that the elderly should have asked nicely for someone to give up the seat. He should not have the thinking that he MUST have a seat as he is old. While the middle age man... I felt that his comment on "I have paid for the seat" is wrong.

I had given up seats for eldery before and fortunately all of them thank me for it which I appreciate it.

Fly fly away on Singapore Flyers

Dec 20th - my construction team organised a xmas party which includes a free ride on the Singapore Flyer and dinner!

This was my 1st time on the Singapore Flyers... comments? It was a long walk to the capsule.. by the time you reach the capsule.. you need to go thru security check (as usual), a photo shot counter then a long queue. By the time you reach the capsule, the excitement was half gone. hahaha. People say that when you reach the top (which is some 160 m over high) you can see Batam and Malaysia! Interesting.. but I dun seem to see any! is it because of my short-sightedness? :P

AFter the ride, we went for a buffet dinner at O'leary's Bar with free flow of wine and beer! sounds good right... but I cant drink alot. sob. We have xmas exchange too! What did I get? I got a family game - BINGO! hahahaha.

My grandmother

My grandmother has been in ill health recently. She was discharged a month ago after we realised that her feet were swollen. However, after the treatment, we felt that she got worst. Worst.. in the sense that she vomits easily. She doesn't like to talk as much and doesnt open her eyelids.

The 1st time I fed her was several weeks ago.. the feeling was intense. Tears well up because I realised that she wasnt the grandma I used to know. You will no longer hear her complain about the food or complain about our house maid. You will no longer see her chat on the phone because she could not place the receiver on her ears. She has been practically spending most of her time on bed. She did not even realised that its going to be Chinese New Year soon. She could not be bothered to order the clothes. All she said is, "I'm tired."

I cried again last evening when I fed her.. because this time, she could not raise up her head. Her explanation - no strength. I know its useless to cry but that was the way i released my sympathy for her. What I can do best now is to spend more time with her.

All along, I wished she could hold on till my wedding... but now... if she cant wait, I will not blame her. Actually it is very selfish of me to ask her to wait because she has to bear with the discomfort and tireness. She no longer asked me when is my wedding but it is ok to me because I will be contented enough if she can drink our (my hubby and my) cup of tea during the tea ceremony.

The "Aftermath" of inviting people to my wedding dinner

This weekend I issued some wedding invitations to my friends. From this experience, I learnt something, "everyone has different ideas so dont take their comments too hard."

Why did I say this? People start to ask you things like
1) How many tables did your "Husband to be" give to your mother?
(It is a part of the "dowry system" that Chinese implement)
2) How much did your "Husband to be" give your mother as a dowry?
3) Did you receive any jewellery?

Do they think that a marriage is a trade?!? Is my mother selling her daughter? I felt that we should follow the traditions but not treat this whole event as if I am a sucker. Well, they (those who ask that few questions above) told me that I cannot think like that. Then.. how should I think? Get as many tables from him as possible? Dig out as much $ from him as possible?

After this encounter, I now understand 2 things
1) Why many Singaporean men say that local gals are materialistic
2) How much another friend of mine, whom just married someone younger and out of her race, have to endure those countless criticism she received from her relatives', friends' and even her closest people around her; her parents'. She really chose to marry someone she loves and believes she will have a future with him. Actually, all she wanted was blessings.

Some people will say that her choice is silly or an act of foolishness... but she said something to me, "You are the main actress thus you understand the most."

Company party @ THE HOUSE

ah... initially I did not want to go to this event. why? I was too lazy to pull myself to Dempsey Hill.

Its the 1st time I attend a company party in Dempsey Hill. The location was casual.. well, very angmo. There are outdoor sittings with buffet spread. http://www.dempseyhouse.com/

I was glad to make a trip down. Altough I went home empty handed but I had a good time "rubbing shoulders" with my corporate colleagues. I missed them so much!

Our wedding

The auspicious date was selected : Feb 18 2009. Both of us wanted a small scale dinner because we did not want to invite people we hardly contact. We love to share our joy with friends and relatives.

Our bridal shop - Julia Wedding News
Our dinner venue - Hilton Singapore - Panorama
Solemnisation - Hilton Singapore - Poolside
Our wedding band - Goldheart

Now, we are down to the details. We wanted to have our own wedding cake however, due to budget constraint, this idea is being scrapped. (Not cheap le... at least $800 for a cake). We are now exploring into personalised wedding favours and cards. I wanted a cosy & intimate wedding.. how how? any ideas?

THE QUESTION

My boyfriend proposed when I arrived in Seoul on 27 Sept 2008. Well, Its not that immediately after I reach the airport.

I was very surprised because I did not expect him to pop out this question so fast. I asked him, "Are you joking?" What a terrible question to ask at that moment.. its like a taking an anti-climax pill. Well, of course I agreed :D

The proposal was very simple. No flowers and ring!!! hahaha... why no ring? Because he wanted me to chose a ring that I wanted. I did not like solitaire rings cos I find them too "popping out". I am worried that me, being a rough gal, will lose the diamond. I chose Cartier's LOVE edition's ring.

Back to Earth

Yes!!! Finally I am out of Jurong Island.

This year has been a "shifting of workplace" year for me. Although I am still working for the same company but I have shifted office 4 times!!!
1) From Somerset to Whitehouse (Not the 1 in America, its the one next to the Red Dot Musuem)
2) From Whitehouse to Jurong Island (this is the worst!)
3) From Jurong Island to Shipyard Road Road.

So far so good in the site office off Shipyard Road. Although it is a little 40ft container, the environment is quieter, less complex and of course, more cosy. The facilities arent too great but I like it just as it is.

so materialistic

The people I know are really busy chasing money. They work in an environment where they are allowed to claim overtime. They can start clocking overtime from 630am. Yes, you are right, 630 in the MORNING. One of them reached the carpark at 610 in the morning. My my… I am still at home! When they reached the office, they will be either busy chatting away during normal office time or play solitaire and yet they claim overtime at the end of the day. Don’t they feel tired? Don't they need time for themselves and family? One of them managed to purchase a $130K sports car.. Sponsored by his overtime monies! Imagine the incredible number of hours he must have accumlated. There was another lady who complained that her forehead was full of pimples. Isn’t it obvious that the pimples are the result of her own doings? She simply did not rest enough as she works 12 hours every weekday and 4 hours every sat. That works out to be 60 hours per week! They can chose to knock off early on Fridays and not even report to "work " on Saturdays but they are lured back by MONEY. They seem to be willing to be a slave to money and then splurge on spa, facial and massage. How ironic.Not all are like that though. Some do overtime when their job requires them to (I respect this kind of people), Well, that is the real purpose of the reimbursement of overtime (I suppose) and not for employees to abuse it. However, no one reports such bad behaviours.

WONDERFUL Rice Cooker!

Rice cooker is a great kitchen helper! Ohh... i'm starting to fall in love with it. I explored the options (in the office pantry) within these few weeks. The results - Marvellous! Why am I cooking in the office? Because of my office's remoteness.....

Day 1 - Chicken Stew

1/2 whole Chicken - Marinate overnight with the following mixture

1 tablespoon of finely chaopped Garlic

2 tablespoon of Oyster Sause,

2 teaspoon of Dried Parsley

1 teaspoon of white pepper

Vegs - 3 skinned & copped potatos, 1 carrot, 2 tomatoes, 2 white onions

Mix the veg & chicken into the pot with water. Make sure that the water do not flood the mixture. Stew for 2 hours

Day 2 - Yong Tow Foo Soup (serves 4)

Soup - 1 whole chicken BONE (ribs + neck), 3 tablespoon of ikan bilis, 2 teaspoon of light soya sauce to taste, 2 thinly sliced ginger, 3 tablespoon of soybeans.

Boil in rice cooker for 1 hour. Put in the Yong Tow Foo into the soup 10mins before serving

speechless...

my colleague sat beside me this morning while we were on the way into our site office. The morning chat became an eyeopener when he happily tells me that he got a chinese 33 yrs old local galfirend. Its no big deal right, but hey, he has three grown up children (so you can imagine how "young" he is), married (with his wife working in singapore) and got a belly (he isnt a hunk, after all). He then continued that he, being a St James' member, visits the club regularly with his gal. He proudly add that even with this fling, he manage to reach home everynight "on-time"! His wife needs to work on nightshift occassionally and that's why he get such "freedom". Well, I laugh it off when i heard all his account directly from his mouth.

The next best part - his galfriend has a full-time boyfriend who is a businessman. My colleague was so shameless to admit that he is just her part-time boyfriend! He added that his galfriend's full time boyfriend got lots of mistresses in thailand. Why is it that there are so many people busy cheating on their partners? Are human really so lonely and deprived of attention? so messy.. so complicated. I really dont think we need all these.

Yokoso Japan!

Day 1 - After 6hours of flight, I got my foot down on Osaka's international airport. We took the rapid train to Kyoto @ 2000yen. We got this special rate after much help from the local train station crew. He was real helpful. He could stand there for a couple of minutes and try to understand our travelling plans so he could recommend the best "priced" tickets.



After settling down in Sunroute hotel (which is a very small room), we head to GION. Gion - a place of night entertainment especially by Geishas. We managed to catch a glimpse of 1 Geisha after we spotted a group of people waiting outside a restaurant armed with cameras. Once she walked out, all of us was busy snapping away. PAPPPARAZI @ work!



Day 2 - We woke up 7 in the morning and got ready with our "gears" and we hit the streets to walk our way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺)! The Buddhist temple was about 30 minutes walk from our hotel. We were greeted with rows of shops selling sweet delicacies. At the end of the street, we saw the wooden temple sitting on a cliff.

Its one of the oldest temple in Kyoto. It was very crowded today, filled with many young visitors (mostly students).

After lunch (where we had our meal in a small shop. I had Tempura udon while Kwan had Don), we head to Kinkakuji Temple via bus. The single bus trip cost us 220yen per person. That works out to be about $2.30!

We paid an entrance fee of 400 yen each. It was a beautiful garden with trees, pond. The Golden Pavilion temple lives up to its name as its glided with pure gold.

Next, we took another bus to Arashiyama Area - a beautiful landscaped area located at the western outskirt of Kyoto.. its an escape + lots fresh air but expect to walk alot to explore the scenic place. The weather was good.. cooling and isnt too humid. Thus it makes the strolling very pleasant.

This is the bamboo forest within Arashimaya

Day 3 - Osaka + Nara

Again, we took the Japan's subway to Nara. We head to the Nara Central park (where wild deers room around, freely) and the Todaiji Temple (where the Japan's largest Buddha sits)

Nara Deer Park - as we strolled along the pathway, the deers were so sociable... greedy i mean. What i am holding arent biscuits, they are just tissue papers. They arent stupid, they will walk up to your hand and smell it. I managed to touch their horns and was surprised to know that their horns are rather smooth and soft.

Next we walked to Todaiji Temple (Great Eastern Temple). It is also the world's largest wooden temple. I remembered that there is a huge circular column where alot of sutdents where queuing to squeeze though the rat hole. It is believe to bring luck to the person who can manage to crawl though the hole.

Osaka - After much travelling, our hungry stomach lead us to OSAKA! its another big city in Japan. We tried lots of food over there. It started to rain once we reached the Osaka train station. Not wanting to waste time, we went into a shop to try their omelette. Its very delicious. Its generous with their sauce and cabbage!

Lucky Mother Nature was on our side, the rain stopped once we walked out of the shop. We continue our food hunt!

Mass Celebration

Its not a mass wedding but a mass birthday celebration for the Gemini babies (Wynne, myself, Wendy & Jiahui). Oh yes, very old babies in fact as all of us are turning 29 real soon. AHHHHH \('o')/.... this is our last year celebrating our 20 something birthday.

We had a sumptous dinner @ the Rendenzous Hotel however I was down with gastric. ('~') What a terrible way to response to such a dinner. How can we forget the most important portion: Candle blowing! since its a buffet, we got a plate full of mini cakes and a candle. Each of us making a wish for ourselves :) (what's my wish??? i'm not telling.. hehehehe.)

Our Hot Date

We are getting ready for our "hot date" tonight at Demphey Hill. Our brave souls made us not reserved any seats in the restaurants as we wanted to take a look around before deciding on the place where we wanted to have our dinner.

Demphey Hill isnt as "ulu" as what we thought. It was "walkable" from the main road. We decided to settle in "Magarita". Its a local mexican restaurant.

The food was good. Both of us love the spinach rice. Its delicious but expensive ($4.00 for a small bowl). Any negative comments? Yes... If only they serve still water.

Boycott against expensive products

I read this article from TODAY WEEKEND with much amaze. I realised that we should not pay tonnes of money to support their CEO to reach the "top earners" spot. You can easily buy a practical and pretty bag with less than $60 yet these people charges thousand of dollars.

Some friends of mine who are brand conscious mentioned that its a "status" issue. What status issue is there when you need to save up on your lunch to buy such luxury! What an irony.

Welcome to Paradise

I finally set my foot in Jurong Island. I’m not too enthusiastic about working on this site due
1) the need to wake up at 5 am in the morning (yawn~~)
2) the distance

After hopping onto the company bus, we need to go thru the checkpoint. Everyone is rushing thru the “scanners” as if there are some gold bars after the exit.

Next, I reached the site. Well, not quite actually, I need to go thru another barrier to go thru. After this “clocking in”, I got myself a seat in a 23 seater bus. I was reminded by a strict looking safety officer to bucker up and off my handphone.

The bus was travelling like a snail (30km/hr) and I did not understand the logic to belt up. To me, there was a double standard as throughout the trip to Jurong East Interchange to Jurong Island, I did not belt up.

The site office was rather spacious (and open!). The pantry was clean. That’s what I like.. it comes with 2 microwaves!

The day on site is rather slow though as we were generally cropped up in the office. (will get a big tummy sooner or later). Finally, its lunch time! I got my sandwich and after the meal, I hide in the shower area and get my power nap. There is a long bench but its rather dusty. I am happy enuff to have a quiet place to rest.

I left the office today to get ready for the next day