Toy Convention 28-29 June 2008

Went to the toy convention with Karel at Suntec City on Sat...didn't expect such a big crowd, but there were lots to see. Bought a Tokidoki tee only to come home to find that the wrong size was given...have to make another trip on Sunday to change it. Was early so queued up to get the free gift-limited edition bear brick. Really liked the design, red and white...like singapore flag...haha. Luckily managed to get the tee changed and quickly left the place cos couldn't really stand the crowd. A sample of the variety of toys that was on display and sold at the convention...

Bangkok 16-19 June 2008

Day 1




Day 2



Day 3



Went for a shopping trip for 4 days 3 nights with my colleagues: Esther, Amanda and Sharon with Nicholas (Esther's hubby) and Daniel (Amanda's bf). Managed to get lotsa stuff and we were commenting that we didn't have enough time cos we just got our "engines" started then we have to leave to come home already...haha...Highlight was the international buffet at Baiyoke Sky Hotel (tallest building in Bangkok)...Places we went: Platinum Mall, Pratunam, Siam Square, famous thai temple (near siam paragon), Little Siam, MBK and Suan Lum Night Market.

Father's Day

To all fathers reading this post: Happy Father's Day!

Gave Dad a card holder so that he can keep his business contacts. Giving Dad a dinner treat tonight as well.

Coincidentally, sis also wrote 祝 身体健康 事事顺利 in her message!

Sat day out

Met Karel and his A*star friends at Vivocity's Kopitiam as they've just finished their morning walk and were getting lunch there. Went to Daiso to get the face mask sis always use then walked around vivocity looking for a bracelet as a graduation gift for Karel's sis and found it in Mintmark.Co. Went around looking for a trekking bag but didn't managed to find a suitable one. Got another disney gashapon and a jap choc gashapon from Toys R Us before heading to Marche for drinks. Forgot to bring the complimentary coffee card so ordered the chocochinno.
Headed for Plaza Singapura so that he can find his trekking bag while it's almost time for my piano lesson. Arranged to meet Jimmy after my lesson briefly as I wanted to get the 2GB SD card from him. Since it was secondhand and I didn't check out the price in the PC show, he actually sold it to me at $10! What a steal...
Decided to head to Changi Airport with Karel as he has gotten his trekking bag and wanted to accompany him while he got his dinner. Brought him to the staff canteen at T2 and ordered the satay. He didn't really take to the taste of the satay sold here, probably cos of the fats...went to the viewing gallery to talk and realised that the airport was a place that I like to go perhaps it's the feeling of space and somewhere I felt peaceful. Didn't think of it till Karel brought it up that I've suggested going to the airport a few times, initially he thought it's like my subconcious mind saying that I want to leave the country which I don't think so. I love staying here, just that I would love the chance to travel more. Perhaps I should start saving up and when I can quit my job and not worry about finances, I will travel around the world. =D

Final tap practice

Went back to school for cca today. As it's the hols and constructions are being done in school so there were very few people around. Had a hard time trying to locate the air-con control but luckily Roslind was around to help. Feel quite bad that the elderly cleaners had to do hard labour but couldn't help them.
Told Phil that this might be the final tap practice I'm with them because when the new semester begins, my cca would be changed to choir. Will definitely miss them as bonds have been made but it's not really up to me. A pity that in this 1.5 years, I didn't really pick up any tap moves frm the practices as normally when I join them for the cca, am too tired after class. I was more preoccupied with maintaining discipline and noting the attendance.
When the session ended at 2pm, we decided to walk over to Rivervale Plaza for lunch. On our way there, we saw a really frail old lady sitting on the side of the road. It was worrying as she didn't seem to realise how dangerous it was and apparently, she was trying to get a cab. Though we have walked past her, felt uneasy that no one is helping her so we headed back to see if we could help.
She didn't have clear vision, was hard of hearing and was too weak to stand on her own. Kept waving out to vehicles thinking that they were cabs. Even when we helped her to stand up, she was trembling terribly. Was so worried that she will fall or knocked down by a vehicle as she was moving so slowly.
She wanted to go to somewhere in Punggol but could only converse in teochew. In my broken teochew, tried to help her find a cab. The first cab driver didn't understand where she wanted to go and advice us to bring her home or call for the police as she might be lost. Phil raised a gd point if police were called, the old lady might have a bad experience. The funny thing was when the lady comprehended that the first cab driver didn't want to bring her to her destination, she kept saying "yi dao" (he's proud) and that normally when she tells cab driver, they know where it is and will bring her. Caught sight of a lanyard she wore around her neck with her photocopied IC. Only saw a handwritten block which was just behind us and couldn't get her to show us the actual address as she was very protective of her things. Wanted to bring her home but she was very persistent to get a cab.
The second cab driver who was changing shift at punggol didn't even have the patience to wait for us to bring the lady to his cab. Just drove off while the next cab driver who stopped, was an indian and used the excuse that he couldn't communicate with the old lady so didn't want to take her. A kind auntie who walked past tried to help convince the old lady to go home. I felt that the old lady realised the auntie is someone who couldn't help her get a cab, as she actually hand-signed that she can't hear what the auntie was saying...
Really felt very lost cos can't just leave her there and there's no way we could find help from the old lady's family. Finally, a kind cab driver stopped by and using his magnifying glass, managed to figure out the address on the old lady's photocopied IC. Felt a sense of relief that a cab driver was willing to bring her there and the old lady finally got what she wanted. As we sent her off, Phil told the kids that next time when they grow up and have old people at home to really take care of them. Feel so sad for the old lady...I wonder if she has kids of her own...
Had our lunch at koufu only around 3+pm and spent a gd time chatting with Phil before going home to start packing my luggage.

Bangkok preview

Promised to bring sis to shokudo for a meal someday and since we're both free today, it's sisters' day out! Found a corner near to the cashier with nice manga wallpaper...nice photo corner which sent our hp and camera into a clicking frenzy...=P
Went to Bugis st to check out tangerine tofu so that the $5 voucher could be used as it's expiring soon. Saw 2 nice blouse going for $40 but were hesitant to get cos they were discounted items which means we can't use the voucher. Upon reaching Bugis st, saw a pair of white shoes that was quite comfortable going for $10. Since both sis and I could wear it, we bought it. Walked around and I tried on several shorts but was quite demoralized as the sizes are generally smaller or my body shape wasn't suitable.
Went to the second level and finally found a black, pants material shorts that fitted well and was on discount ($19.90). The bistro had changed to a hong kong cafe. Shared the mango dessert with sis. Finally ate mango ice-cream cos was avoiding ice-cream for at least 4 months. Bought another purple blouse as I could wear it to work ($15) and finally headed back to tangerine tofu as sis wanted to get the 2 tops and I found a comfortable tee going for $10 which I can use the $5 voucher. Finally before we left the area, caught sight of a rather unique watch and since sis wanted to get one, we bought it for only $5. Felt really tired out on the bus but it was a really fruitful shopping trip. Can't wait for the action to begin when I fly to Bangkok!

Eclectic Attic

Met Brother Dave at Plaza Singapura to catch up before I leave for Bangkok on Monday. Went to Eclectic Attic and tried the tea set where 6 types of miniature cakes were served with tea. Nice talking to him and really appreciate the advices and encouragement he gave. Feel very happy that he's moving on to the next stage with his gf soon. Touched that someone who dislikes shopping is making the effort to look for the perfect ring.

Went to Vivocity to meet Karel for dinner (first "official" date). Had to walk around first as he's still at work and needs to travel. Was quite agonizing as there were alot of nice clothes but as I was about to try them out, the thought of the Bangkok shopping trip stopped me in my tracks. In the end, only went to the gashapon machines at Toys R Us and couldn't resist the cute disney babies round biscuit accessory. We went back to White Dog Cafe for a nice, relaxing dinner. Managed to get home earlier cos didn't want to stay out late.

Ray and Yifen's wedding!!!

Waiting for make-up artist

The beautiful bride with her bridesmaids

Finally the day has arrived for one of my best friends to get married! Feel elated for her as really think hao ma has found hao pa...=P They are really right for each other and since we've known each other since our NIE/NTU days, Yifen asked me sometime earlier this year to be help on her wedding day. Had a wedding briefing at her new house in Punggol last Saturday, realised that Wanjun and myself are actually her bridesmaids. The couple decided to keep the wedding affair a rather private celebration with relatives and close friends so have booked a function room at Hilton Hotel and will have a buffet reception instead of the conventional chinese banquet. Feel so excited as it's the first time I'm a bridesmaid and really honored to be able to share this special occasion with the couple...=D

Arranged to meet Wanjun early in the morning on this significant day and we took a cab down to the hotel as we were already dressed for the occasion and it was drizzling. Reached there really early, by 815am and decided to go to Forum's coffeebean to catch up and have a drink before the excitement begins at 9am. Met the couple and the wedding helpers at level 24, function room and mingled around as we prepared for a final rehearsal for the processional.

The make-up artist, Vivi arrived around 930am and we proceeded to the executive suite to get ready. Yifen's 4 nieces were the flower girls and the youngest, Edna got excited once she's changed to her nice dress. She kept smiling, jumping around and even started singing...so adorable!!! Yifen's mum looked really good after the make-up. Started pouring rather heavily as Yifen was having her make-up done but reassured her that since it's raining now, later in the afternoon as we proceed outdoors for photoshoot, the rain may have stopped. The make-up enhanced Yifen's natural beauty and she turned out looking slightly different (checked out the photos). Even the groom had his first make-up put on for this special day! =D

Due to the rain, the guests arrived slightly later and we waited in the suite till 1220pm before standing by for the processional. The page boy and the youngest flower girl was a little taken aback by the dry ice smoke as the door opened for the processional to begin. Think I had a rather stiff smile due to nervousness. >_<
Sabo time...;P

Somehow, the relative who was suppose to help with the tea ceremony didn't come forth and Ray even went to approach one of his best men. Upon realising that it's customary for females to do this, I volunteered as can sensed they were pressed for time. Totally lost as to what to do, so basically followed the instructions of one of the relatives. Prepared 4 cups of tea on a tray for the couple to serve their elders (each elder to drink from 2 cups offered by the newly weds) and changed the tea for each pair of elders. As the hotel personnel helping to change the tea was at the reception table and there was a short distance from where the guests were seated (couch at the lift landing), had to hurry back and forth ensuring that I don't knocked over anyone. The guy's relatives were served tea first, followed by the female side. However, as Yifen's relatives came forth to be served, one of her aunts came to inform me that it's wrong to serve 4 cups of tea. 2 cups would be enough and the newly-weds were supposed to hold the tray and let the elders leave the red packets on the tray for them instead of passing the red packets directly to them. Briefly told the couple the change of format and after some time, the whole tea ceremony was over. Could finally take a breather before sending the guests off and head back to the suite for Yifen to change and get ready for the outdoor photoshoot.

Wanjun came back and as the ladies got changed, there was a minor accident with the gown, Yifen's niece apparently knocked Yifen while she was drinking milo and splattered some of the drink on the white gown. Quickly used wet tissue and cloth to rub the stain off. Luckily Yifen's mum got most of the stain off.

In prayer...
My prince will come

Princess and Prince {so romantic!!!} =)
Yifen and me

Made arrangements with the photographer to go to 3 places to have the photoshoots. Luckily the heavy downpour has reduced to a slight drizzle by 3+pm as we left the hotel. There were 2 other cars following the bridal car to the photo-taking sites. Followed Huiqing, Charmain and Jeremy in Keith's car. First stop was Singapore Art Musuem so we parked at SMU's admin building car park. Another couple was also there for their wedding shots. Couldn't enter the musuem for wedding photos which was a slight pity and could only used the front porch and corridors. Took some candid shots with my digicam and was really glad that some of the shots turned out really nice!




Next location was Esplanade and we took more shots on the rooftop garden. Really liked the pose where bride and groom had to sit down on the carpet grass. Very romantic! Took a group photo here before we head to the last stop at Millenia Walk.


Looking at his beautiful wife... Artistic romantic shot!

Hao Ma & Hao Pa
Wanjun & me making ripples

Walked over to the "waterfall" and since it was my first time going there, realised that the area is really nice for capturing of artistic shots since there's water feature and the pillars had nice tiles that can serve as a background. Had quite alot of funny shots taken over here (including another group shot) before we ended around 7+pm. Headed back to the hotel to collect our stuff before leaving for dinner with Wanjun at Burger King by 830pm. Totally shagged...didn't expect it could be so tiring but everything was worth it...Home sweet home by 10+pm.

Karel's birthday

　
Look at the amazing spread! Piping hot Tokyo-style clam chowder soup, sashimi, bamboo unagi rice, rosti, the list goes on......

Met Karel to have dinner at Shokudo before going to Esplanade for the Lord Of the Rings Symphony and Choral Performance. Enjoyed dinner thoroughly, tried the bamboo unagi rice and it's really nice! The sashimi could be better while the beef with asparagus roll was really tasty.

Walked over to Esplanade after dinner and as we were about to enter the hall, met my school's science lab assistant. Heard that she would be working part-time as usher on these 2 nights and just greeted each other briefly. A group of primary students with their teachers were seated near our seats and realised that one of the girls was in the same place as indicated on my ticket. My ever-helpful science lab assistant came over when she realised that there were some problems and told us to look for another usher-in-charge. Karel was sharp enough to spot the problem. The sistic personnel sold us the wrong tickets! We specifically asked for 5 June but were given 6 June tickets. We didn't check, nor did the personnels tearing our ticket as we entered the hall. Amanda, the in-charge who attended to us was really apologetic about the whole incident. She told us it was full house tonight and the only option was for us to come back tomorrow evening. Karel was quite upset cos it's his birthday and this has to happen. He insisted that they try to do something abt it. Luckily for his persistence, or it would have been a wasted trip and a great disappointment.
After a few minutes, Amanda decided to make an exception to let us watch from the viewing room as she could sensed that we were not willing to make another trip. There was a couch and the view was actually similar to that of circle 2. The only minus point was that we could only hear the whole thing from a single speaker. The viewing room was a holding room for late comers as later 2 other couples joined us. It wasn't really comfortable as the couch had no back rest but at least we got to watch the show. Noted there were quite a number of empty seats though they claimed that it was full house. Intermission came and we managed to speak to Amanda as she promised to check if there's any available seats for us to move to for the later part of the show. Luckily, we were arranged to sit in Circle 2 BB 53 and 54 and could enjoy the rest of the show comfortably. The choir was amazing and really thought that the orchestra was awesome. Left the concert hall feeling really glad that we've came. Since it was only 10pm and it's Karel's birthday, decided to top the birthday treat with a visit to Max Brenner's Cafe. Karel enjoyed the white chocolate granitte while I ordered the dark chocolate. Took the train home ard 1115pm. What an eventful evening!

Gym with kakis

Met my thai trip kakis for gym early this morning...the consultant took some time and we were a little late for the 920am Street 101 dance class. Found out that with lack of practice, I've got coordination problems as the moves and music were pretty up tempo...haha, must have been quite a funny sight. Amanda and Sharon went for Bodylicious class while Esther and I attended the Bodycombat class. The intense workout left me looking quite flushed and can feel that my muscles are beginning to ache...
Went for lunch at Subway, tried the minisub roast beef with spring onion sauce. It tasted quite nice and more importantly healthy. The size is just nice for me to finish cos the normal 6-inch is too big. Went for eyebrow threading at Browhaus Paragon before window-shopping at Far East. Managed to restrain myself from buying anything cos planning to spend only when in Bangkok...just walking around to check out the current trend. Had drinks at Yakun before heading to Seng Kang Library with Sharon cos she intends to borrow books. Figured can try looking for thai-english phrase book, did managed to find one and also found "Blink" with 2 other "小豆豆" series novels. Will be able to sleep very soundly tonight due to the workout. Hope tomorrow the muscle aches won't be too dreadful...

Leisurely Sunday

Met Karel for lunch and to spend the day together. Went to Shokudo Japanese Food Bazaar located B1 of Raffles City...really like the place as the food is fabulous, nice ambience and there's so much to choose from! There's japanese and western food, order charged to card, payment at the cashier, similar to Marche. Missed out on the sushi photos cos was too tempted by it to start eating...=D

Japanese style Bacon & Cheese Omelette...yummier than expected...

Gyoza, shitake mushroom, yakitori and beef + veg skewers Dango Fizzy fruit drinks...prefer the peach flavored instead of the strawberry.

Walked over to Asian Civilisation Musuem, he had to guide me as i wasn't really sure of the way, just a rough idea of the direction..so ironical, having a foreignor guiding a local...;P
Popped by at the Arts House and caught a mini exhibition on pop art. Couldn't resist taking a few shots with these local brands made into household stuff...=D

I love white rabbit sweets...(Seated on Jacobs biscuits couch, surrounded by Maggi mee cushions and Dynamo lamps!)

Take a break...

ACM had the Vietnam special exhibitions amongst other exhibits and entry was free for today. Spent quite a long time touring the different galleries, sitting down finally as we heard there was story-telling of Vietnam fables. After the story-telling session, there was a traditional vietnam band performing folk music and also playing traditional vietnam instruments. Totally amazed by the main guy who could use a common leaf like a flute, plays a flute with no holes for different notes (controls the pitch by hand movements closing the ends of the flute, could even play with 2 such flutes at the same time!) and finally using 10 different stones as a xylophone...

Bought 2 dragonflies as it could balance on just the tip of it's nose before walking over to Makansutra's Gluttons Bay to have our dinner. Tried the famous satay and also hokkien mee...very tasty just a bit pricey cos of the location. Went to Marina Square to get tickets for 《Prince Caspian》. The movie would only start at 850pm so we had time to get a drink at Starbucks. Tried the hot chocolate and it's not too sweet...nice for cold weather...The movie lasted 2.5 hrs and some scenes reminded me quite abit abt LOTR. The main lead, Prince Caspian's looks good and has the charm. Shared a cab home and conked out by 140am...

One of my fave food...tasty but can't take too often!!!