Life After Marriage

It has been a while since I last blogged and now it's past midnight and time for me to churn out a post. After all, my mood has been really affected after my supervision two days ago and I tell myself that this is the last day that I would still think about it. Tomorrow is a brand new day and I shall stop ruminating on what they said about me, because, truly, they do not know me as a person and I shall not let these strangers affect how I define myself.

That aside, focus on happy things of my life, such as how I managed to redeem 4 toys from Giant supermarket under the Goodness Gang. You need to spend $180 ($10 for 1 stamp, 18 stamps required to redeem one toy) But you think a cheapo like me would splurge just to get the toys? Of course not, owe it to my colleagues who do not want the stamps. And so the freebie is mine! Yay

Anyway, look at how time flies! Breadman and I have been officially married for 4 months! So what's life like after marriage? *Long pause* Erm, actually no difference because we are still staying apart while waiting for our BTO to be completed, and true enough, "no house, no spouse" especially in Singapore's context, so we are still akin to girlfriend/boyfriend stage. Haha, thus, merely just a status change and I gained his family name, so sometimes my colleagues would make fun of me by calling me Mrs Yeh, though I told them I still like my own surname very much and Mrs just sounds so old! Anyway the wedding banquet is up in 8 months' time, and so far I have not done much preparation for it as I am too busy with my school work and practicum. Thus, I havent transformed into a bridezilla yet, not just yet. Hahah... I have sorta asked around at my workplace to get the rough estimate of the number of guests and so far I think for my friends and colleagues, it would make up to 7 tables. So for I have settled the venue, the makeup artist, photographer, as well as signed a package with the bridal studio. Thus, I am still pretty chill and zen about it at this stage. The next big thing would be going to select The Dress and for me I guess I would either be going for a v-neck style or most likely off shoulder style because they are the more flattering cuts for curvy girls like me. UNLESS, I can shed off pounds and have a slender body. For the evening gown, likely shiny dress or lacy dress and very likely it would be darker shades, instead of lighter shades because my skin tone is yellowish and I will not look well in it. Also, my colleagues have been asking me if I wanted a theme and I have been thinking. A theme would be fun and guests can feel free to dress up, but of course no obligation to follow the theme, cuz it is just for fun. My nurses would also sing a couple of songs and Ed Sheeran's Perfect is one of them :) You know how boring weddings can be right? I remember yawning at a couple of marriages I attended, thus if there's some form of entertainment then that's better. If not, everyone's just waiting for time to pass and eyeing on the food.

Anyway, that's all for tonight. Happy 4 months of marriage, Breadman! Hope life can continue to be sweet with you even as we have our own mini-me versions :D

Yeah!

I topped the class for my class assignment! 90 marks! Second time so far, yet still feeling as good as ever, probably because such a thing never happened to me during my Psychology days in university and good grades and me weren’t such a good association anyway.. I was just that average student in class. Hence, this is such a self-esteem booster for me and perhaps, Social Work’s really my calling. Haha... keeping it up!

Positive Reinforcement

Today, I received a compliment from a family member, who initially asked me if I were a full-time permanent staff working at the nursing home. After I responded to her, she went on to add on this liner:

You are a very good worker you know?

Wow, this liner is simple yet powerful! This totally made my day as I was having a hard time having to juggle my practicum, work, and school assignments as well as not forgetting my new found husband. Haha.. what a way to put it! Words of praise like this, make me feel appreciated and reminds me again, why I am in the social sector right from the beginning.

Gardens By the Bay: Poinsettia Wishes and Christmas Wonderland

This year's visit to Gardens By the Bay during this festive period was a special one for me because Breadman proposed to me at this very place, exactly 6 days before our solemnization, which was going to be held on 23rd December 2017. Let's just say this, I am extremely happy when this happened because I have been waiting for this moment for eons... especially when everyone around me kept on bugging me (friends, colleagues and relatives) and looking at my hand for the ring. It can be a little vexing because of the long wait (I guess Breadman did it on purpose! Hmph). So let's just go through the series of events leading up to the proposal. When Breadman told me on 15 December that we are heading to Gardens on a Sunday, I wasnt expecting anything different and was feeling a little lazy because I am not a Sunday person because the next day meant work for us. Thus, usually I like hanging out on Saturdays and will stay home on Sundays. But of course, in case he proposes, I must still put in effort to doll up a little. Haha (that's my sister's advice: to doll up at all times when meeting Breadman as it is too close to the solemnization date, thus he may seize the opportunity anytime).

When I met him, I noticed that he was dressed formally, not the usual polo tee n pants combination. But still, I did not set my hopes high as I do not want to be disappointed in case there wasnt anything. We then bought tickets to the Flower Dome and Christmas Wonderland. It cost $20 for a bundle for Singaporeans. When we stepped into the Flower Dome, we were welcomed by the sight of a Santa's cabin, with a long snaking queue of enthusiastic people (kids and adults similar) waiting for their opportunity to take a photograph with Santa Claus. Needless to say, I am a sucker for such things as well, especially when this Santa Claus is Ang Moh and from Finland! So, we made it a point to come back later to queue (there were different allocated timings) while we walked around checking out the flowers first. The theme this year at Flower Dome is Poinsettia Wishes.

We reached there around 345pm and it was still pretty sunny and glaring. 

Off we went to check out the succulents and cacti. 

Here's us in our outfits! I can finally wear this red tartan/checkered dress from Yacht 21. Previously it was a little tight on me. I am glad to have lost 2.5kg then and able to wear it. Let's hope for next year's wedding, I can shed 10kg. Lose all the weight that I have gained since I entered the workforce. Not just for beauty, but for health's sake as well. 

There is something mesmerizing about succulents. The greenery I guess? Or its texture? Or probably its ability to thrive under harsh conditions? 

Huge Christmas tree towering over

Can you spot my favourite animal in here? 

The carousel is another of my favourite thing. 

Top view 

Winnie the Pooh and Piglet 

Letters to Santa! Have you tried writing a letter to Santa Claus before? I havent, but I am really keen to try! Will there be a reply from Santa? 

Breadman always asks how can I manage to make my face appear slimmer in photos? The key is the angle. There's always a reason why Breadman is always the one taking the selfie. Haha. Oh yes, we went to visit the dentist just the day before to do a "spring cleaning" and dun our teeth look slightly cleaner than before? It was a pretty horrifying experience and I remember myself holding my fist tightly and frowning as the dentist worked through my teeth with his "tools". Haha. That was an agonizing 10 minutes in that room.  Have a good look at this photo. Do we look alike? My sister says that both of us are growing alike each other and the resemblance is especially significant when we smile. Really meh? I still like my smile more. Haha.  

When you see Poinsettia, it means Christmas is around the corner! 

The nutcrackers! These soldiers are symbols of good luck and they aim to scare away bad evil spirits.

It was finally time for us to join the queue to wait for the Santa meet and greet session. The next slot was at 6pm but we decided to join in the queue much more earlier when we saw a few eager ones in the queue at around 520pm. We were the first 5 in the queue. 

Santa was here! I was asking Breadman if Santa's beard is real... Haha. It looks real to me. 

Closer shot at this Santa who flew all the way from Finland. 

And as it was nearing our turn, I was asking Breadman, whether to use my handphone for the shot or use his which he replied to use his phone. I tried to dissuade him as his phone was brand new (still unused) and he took it out for this purpose. Then I noticed that he was getting fidgety and his hands were icy cold. I still thought he was feeling unwell then (as he was sick a few days back) and offered him a sweet as I was worried that he was having low blood glucose level or feeling giddy... Haha. Then he was getting more fidgety... Finally it was our turn! I quickly went and sit beside Santa and asked him if his beard was real. Haha... He did not reply me but asked me to touch it. It felt real to me, but when I saw the glue, I knew then it's fake. Haha.... When I saw that Breadman was taking too long talking to the photographer, I began to sense that he may be planning something! But then again, I must remind myself not to expect too much. 

And then it happened! He told Santa that he needed a favour from Santa as he was going to propose to his girlfriend. Hahah... I was both feeling excited and in disbelief, because from my understanding of him, he is not someone who enjoys being in the limelight, especially when there was a long queue behind us. And then he went down on one knee and brought out the ring box. He then popped the question. As it happened fast and I wasnt able to react much, I said "ok" instead of "yes". Haha. Now thinking back, it was hilarious. Then someone from the crowd shouted "where is the ring?" Because Breadman did not open up the ring box like how others would typically do. And Breadman responded by shouting back "The ring is in the box!" This part was too funny! Haha... machiam some TV drama. Then Breadman told Santa that he has been a good boy this year (really meh?) and we received well wishes from Santa before we took a shot. And amongst all the shots, there was none in which Santa looked into the camera. Haha. I guessed he must be in disbelief as well. 

After all the drama, we went to the side and he asked me whether do I want to wear the ring myself, or he wear it for me. Chey, of course he wear la! So here's us beaming with joy or rather, Breadman still recovering from the aftermath. Haha. The decision to proceed with a marriage proposal in public must have been a really scary one and it requires lots of courage. But still, thank you for doing it as it is really memorable and the venue is apt, with Santa, flowers and my favourite person.

Will you marry me? 

Some other pictures from Christmas Wonderland

Blizzard Time! Snapped this pic quickly before foam went into our eyes and ears. Breadman with his forced smile. Haha. Since we cant go and witness the real snow, at least let me experience this artificial snow ok?

It was a night to remember and we were in good mood throughout the time. Thank you Breadman for loving me for who I am, and definitely looking forward to life with you!  

Merry Christmas 2017

Before the clock strikes 12, here's me wishing everyone Merry Christmas! Hope you had a fabulous celebration :)

Two Papers Down!

Blogging en route home as the train is not moving. Just finished my second paper on social welfare policy and I must say it is really difficult! A lot of things weren't taught and relies on your prior knowledge and general knowledge. The prof's exam tips weren't tips at all as none of it came out. Haha... Lesson learnt, nv trust the prof but be more kiasu and prepare for everything.

Heard about today's incident with the trains, apparently there was a collision amomgst two stationary trains, as the second train suddenly moved. Many commuters are injured with 2 sustaining major injuries like fractures. I think we shouldn't complain and lament on the incident but let's pray for a speedy recovery for those affected commuters while SMRT investigates the cause of the incident. Our mrt used to be very reliable in the past, I revalled, when I was still in my jc and uni days. What went wrong over the years? Hmm...

Finishing my post, but the train I m in currently has stopped moving because the train ahead is still at the next station. Big hmm...

One Step Closer...

To getting married! I am so excited to announce that we have officially filed our marriage yesterday! Now things are getting more exciting and real for both of us, I cant believe seeing Breadman's face for the rest of my life. Haha. I believe our life would be something like this: us munching on bread, making fruit enzymes, making soya milk, recycling, going to gardens by the bay and checking out museums for exhibitions. Nothing's much gonna change except that we will see each other on a daily basis when we move in to our built-to-order flat which is going to be ready by year 2019 and that's going to be a challenge as we learn to live with each other's habits (hopefully rub off some good habits) haha.

Here's a recent pic of us during our 6th anniversary this year, and guess where is this place? Of course it has to be the gardens by the bay for this flower addict! This was part of the mid-autumn and halloween display when we visited on 24 September 2017. This photograph looks good right, ok can consider choosing it for my wedding montage. It's scary how I am imagining how my actual wedding ceremony will turn out next year even though this year still has not ended. Hopefully, not a bridezilla by then? Cant believe we have been together for these good 6 years as we go through thick and thin and growing horizontally. Haha. Well, I shall go on an exercise regime and diet plan after my exams! You heard me.

Earlier on, Breadman prepared a home cooked meal for me which took 2 hours including buying of groceries, preparation and actual cooking, which was why we were slightly late for our Let Me Eat Your Pancreas movie. Oh yes, did you have a chance to catch that movie? It is indeed a tearjerker, the couple beside me shed tears, I must admit I did too... I was hoping the girl would survive..The movie had a good ending overall still. 

Here's the home-cooked meal made with love (and sweat) haha. In case you are not sure what these are, they are actually salmon burgers with rocket and avocado salad as sides, served with fruity lipton tea. Look at all these atas ingredients, rocket salad, avocado, cheese. Somebody really high class, only wants premium food.  

My bouquet of hydrangeas (eh actually I like blue hydrangeas) haha 

Alright, time to go back to my books while I prepare for my upcoming examinations. It is really nice to be able to do a quick update after such a long time. This post took me 15 minutes. Just nice for a short break!

I am back!

For a while....Haha 😂 blogging while on board the Mrt! Let's just say, life has been pretty hectic. It is really hard to juggle between school work, work, love life, yoga and blogging. My carousell business has been taking a back seat these days. After 8 months of joining my weekly yoga classes, I feel quite sad 😔 to not being able to continue with the sessions at the moment, mainly because the sessions only start at 8pm and I will only get home at 10pm. Thus this means a day will be gone for my school work. Assignment deadlines are back to back and it is in the form of essays with need for citation, thus cannot just anyhow write as you please. Fret not, I will still practise yoga on my own at home as I can do the basics. It is definitely a good form of exercise for these old bones of mine.

And wishing my beloved cousin Jessilyn a marvellous 28th birthday! I specially customized this rustic bouquet with the florist! Glad that the surprise went through pretty well with no hiccups and hope that she can keep these flowers for as long as she can cuz this is my first bouquet to her. 😂 cant wait to attend her wedding this October, though she has already been officially married 2 years ago. Well, u know la, Chinese people are like that, no banquet yet means u are nt yet married. 

I shall try to find time to churn out more Posts while on my journey on the public transport. Have a good day ahead and to everyone reading this, please return home early today because it is the first day of the 7th month based on the lunar calendar. 

Year 2016 in a Nutshell

This year was a pretty smooth sailing year for me and here are some highlights of the year!

1. I went for my first ever run! Garfield Run 2016!  Well, getting out of my comfort zone has never been easy and I am glad I did it! This is not without the help from my exercise buddy Carol.

2. I took part in my first dance, as part of the line dance segment for the company's 30th anniversary!

3. Breadman and I went for our first ever overseas trip, and it was to Hong Kong!

4. We also successfully selected our flat during the bto exercise and our Home Sweet Home will be ready by year 2019.

5. I signed up for hathayoga classes with my beloved colleague Cheng!

6. I visited an indoor trampoline park at Orto with Breadman!

7. I won a staycation voucher to orchid country club, during lucky draw at the company 's Christmas celebration

8. I was on stage presenting tokens of appreciation to our company's president. That was my first time on stage for such a significant event!

9. I went to Tanjong Pagar Railway Station for the first time, during my birthday this year!

10. I brought my dad to the Shaolin show at Marina Bay Sands Theatres with the tickets I won during a giveaway organized by real yoga.

That sums up my year! 2017 shall be better! Have a good year ahead everyone!

Food Review: Common Chefs Cafe

Had a good catch up session with my good childhood pal, Eileen, over dinner on 3 December 16 week ago. Can you believe it? I have known her since primary 3, when we were 9 years old and we are both 27 years old this year! This friendship is indeed golden.. Good friends are those whom you do not need to meet often, but whenever you do, you have endless conversation topics and there will not be any awkward silence. I always run out of voice whenever I meet up with Eileen. Haha. 

Anyway, we decided to check out Common Chef's Cafe, which is located near Sembawang White Bee Hoon at Jalan Legundi. It's just a stone throw's away from my work place, so we settled down on that cafe. 

It was a Friday evening, but we were both surprised that the cafe werent fully packed at all! In fact, it was really quiet, with a couple of diners hanging around. Well, that suits us perfectly because it means we can stay there longer and longer chats! 

Service was prompt and the prices were wallet friendly. The prices are all Nett prices! Can you believe that? Haha. A little complaint would be that there are not many food choices to select from the menu, it is pretty limited but I guess for a new cafe establishment, that's ok, give them more time to expand their menu. 

This was my headsouth chicken burger with truffle fries (pay $1 extra to change normal fries to truffle ones!) This comes in a set with a garden salad. The cajun chicken was held between a nicely buttered brioche bun which was served piping hot when it arrived on our table. Eileen had the headsouth fish burger set, which was exactly the same as mine, except that the chicken was replaced with fish. 

Eileen didnt want her raw veggies, so I chomped it down for her. Haha. It only costs $14 for this set and I feel that the price is economical for cafe grub! 

However, I felt that the waiting time could be improved because we waited close to half an hour for our meals, and be glad that we are in a good mood, thus we ignored our growling stomachs. Haha. 

Update: Common chefs has removed this food item from their newly revamped menu, so I am lucky that I got to try it for as long as it lasted! 

                                                                 
                                                                        That's me!

Eileen's hairstyle hasnt changed since secondary school days! That amazed me!

I would not hesitate to head back to the cafe again for the ambience as well as the food. 

Overall Ratings: 4/5

Common Chefs Cafe 

8 Jalan Legundi

#01-13

Singapore 759274

Nearest MRT: Sembawang

Tel: 6659 1208

 

Garfield Run 2016

Many first times this year! First dance, first time on stage presenting plaques and now, my first fun run! I have always been kind of inactive, lacking those sporty genes. Finally decided to challenge myself by participating in this Garfield Run 2016, which was held yesterday. This is also the first time we siblings decided to join this together, also for a good cause as part of the proceeds will go towards supporting cats' welfare. I managed to finish 3km within 30 mins, which was what I set out to achieve initially. so, good job done! Yay! Took photos with my good friend jeanine as well who participated in this with her family too! Thanks to Breadman who came to support me (the lazy bum is the real garfield who refused to join!) and holding my bag for me as there is no baggage deposit area. Ok, a few more 3km race n then I can move on to 5km race.

8 Days 7 Night: Hong Kong and Shen Zhen Trip Day 1

Finally, I am getting down to blog about Breadman and my first trip together! This is another backdated post as we went for the trip from 08 April 16 to 15 April 16. The old saying always goes: if a couple can survive a trip together, it means they can stay together. Hmmm... I wonder how true is that and on what basis? Well, we survived the trip, but as usual, we had some cat fights along the way. The good thing is, we resolved these conflicts and differences fairly quickly, that's why the trip ended well. Probably it is also because towards the end of the trip, Breadman was having tummyaches, thus maybe no energy to fight with me. Hahaha. Initially, we had wanted to go to Taiwan, but because there were threats of earthquakes, we decided to change our destination. Hong Kong was never on my to-go list because it is too similar to Singapore. Nonetheless, we settled for it because of the cost of the tix and the temperature. I wanted to go to Bangkok intially, but it's on Breadman's list of do-not-visit places, due to security threats. Thus, we finally decided to settle on Hong Kong. The last time I went there was in year 2010, during which I did the summer studies over there.
So we took the Singapore Airlines (Breadman was in charge of booking the tix) while I booked the hotel tickets. It adds up to $1000 for two pax for the hotel, and considering that it is for 8 days, I feel that the prices are reasonable. You might be thinking, go Hong Kong only need 8 days meh? Haha, my sentiments at first when Breadman insisted on 8 days because he has already applied for his leave and he does not want to change. After the trip, I feel that 8 days is just nice. Haha.. giving us ample time to explore the places. My only mini regret is not having been to Disneyland due to the poor weather conditions in which it was raining every day :(

  

Spotted a cute display of a trio of musically inclined frogs! Can you spot the odd one out in this

picture?

Do you know that frogs are my favourite animals? Coincidentally, they are green in colour as well, which is my favourite colour. My pet frog stuffed toy has been with me for eons, going through thick and thin with me. I guessed it has been with me since I was 6 or 7 years old? Cant remember how old exactly, but I remembered it was from the Toysaurus store located at Northpoint and it was priced at $29.90 and my 3rd and 4th sister specially brought me to select a present on my birthday. I set my eyes on that toy because it's like a puppet and you can stuff your hand into its mouth to make it appear as if it can talk! This kind of things attract kids easily. As it was an exorbitant price during those times, I remembered being scolded by my eldest sister for being a spendthrift because the budget was $20 and I exceeded by $10. I can still vividly remember that I ended up in tears on my birthday because of that. Haha. Well, now thinking back, we werent in a very good financial situation back then, thus, we ought to spend every single cent wisely and I guess eldest sister do not want me to get too pampered, such that I can get whatever I want. But hey, I really value this toy ok! Haha. Ok before I digress too much... As it was our first trip together, I was both excited and jittery. First let's take a photo!

Somebody looking grouchy in this photo. Eh I should be more upset cuz Breadman was late for 45 mins and I was waiting for him, holding back the urge to head to the toilet. Lugging the luggage into the toilet is really not my kind of thing. That's why the trip already didnt start off very well if you can see why....

When we reached Hong Kong airport, we decided to take the Airport Express as it will lead us to our hotel shuttle bus directly. Airport express tickets were priced at 150HKD for 2 pax. It is akin to an MTR except that the seats are cushioned and really comfy. It is also an added bonus that there's also a TV screen in front of you so that you can pass time as the journey can be quite long, around 40 minutes before we can reach our destination.

 

                                                       Selfie of me on the Airport Express!

Us again! I was wearing my cashmere cotton top from Uniqlo and my leather jacket which I got from Perth. Anyway did I mention that I used my gloves when on board the airplane? It always get chilly at some point of time during the flight, so it's really handy to pack a pair of gloves in your hand carry bag.

Here's a view of what we saw while on board the Airport Express

Finally we reached the hotel! This is the hotel concierge.

Look at all that splendor in that lighting!

 

Alas we reached our hotel room! I booked Dorsett Mongkok hotel, which is located near the Olympic station. Hmm, at first I assumed it was near Mongkok station, thus I chose it as it is near the central area of the shopping malls. Later did I know that the hotel is not really near there. Blame it on myself for not having done enough homework. The good thing is that there's a hotel shuttle bus, which can bring you to places of interest like Ladies Street, Temple Street etc. This was the superior room with internet access and this room was really small, living up to Hong Kong's name of having small compact rooms.  

The Handy phone. This is the best part of the hotel! You can bring this phone with you when you are out and it comes with free data connection. I did not really believe it at first (me being sua ku) and I still told Breadman that maybe they would charge us when we checked out of the hotel. Luckily, we clarified and found out that it's not the case. It is perfectly free for you to use! Yay to freebies. Now when I book hotels, I will look for those that provide the Handy phone. It really saves lots of money such that you do not need to buy any data card over there.

The bathroom is seriously small! It can only contain one person at amy one time. Thus couples can say goodbye to having showers together unless you are stick thin. Haha.

                                         Wash basin. This area was very small as well.

Towels

 

Tea and coffee were free for consumption. These cups were useful as Breadman and I had oats during a few days as breakfast.

Switches

 

Mini refrigerator. The snacks and drinks were all chargeable.

As it was already nearing dinner time, Breadman and I decided to head to Mongkok to have our first meal at Hong Kong! We took the MTR and here's a look at their cute labelling of priority seats!

Hopefully, these smileys can do their part to promote more graciousness amongst the commuters!

 

Oh yes, the temperature was slightly chilly at 20 to 23 degrees, but still bearable for me, thus my leather jacket really served its purpose well. We then proceed to have dinner at a small homely cafe called Milk and Milk located near Ladies Street and I enjoyed my dinner a lot!

This was Breadman's choice. I think it was ginger onion chicken rice. It cost 38 HKD.

For me, I had the sea bass rice which cost 39 HKD (comes with a drink) 

This unassuming dish was really delicious! Probably because I was hungry by then as well, thus less picky.. haha

 

After dinner, we roamed around Ladies Street.. Here's a few street views. Neon lights are characteristic of Hong Kong streets.

I feel like I am starring in a scene of a Hong Kong drama, because these are always what we get to see in those dramas. Tentages,, neon lights, illegal peddlers...etc.

 

We were also surprised to witness a peaceful demonstration going on. This was definitely an eye opener for me because demonstrations are not allowed in Singapore, unless you obtained approval for that first.

 

This demonstration was held in front of Hollywood Plaza.

 

Anyway, we left that area quickly as we would not want to be involved in any of these... Our first buy of the day was strawberries which we got from a market nearby! Thrilled because these two trays of strawberries were only 20HKD, which is around 3 bucks plus SGD!

 

Look at these juicy and red strawberries! What a steal!

Alright, this marks the end of Day 1 for us, and here's a picture of me posing next to our door number. Remember to buy 4D ok, I have given you 4 lucky digits. Haha. Watch this space for our adventures on Day 2!