Tis' the season to be shopping...falalalalalalalala...

Shopaholic Lai is back...miss the exhilaration and adrenalin rush from shopping...Previously, Shopaholic Lai restrained herself and went "cold turkey" to save $$$ for her wedding.

Now, when the Xmas season is here and Chinese New Year is round the corner, she decides to furnish her wardrobe with new clothes. The festive sales also helped to attract her to the stores...have spent 3 days this week shopping and counting...=P

Sunday: Shopping in Orchard with Teddy Chua
Tuesday: Shopping in Somerset with Mum & sis, Shopping with Teddy Chua in Orchard
Wednesday: Shopping in Tampines with Yifen
Thursday: Shopping in Tampines with Beryl, Grocery shopping in Marine Parade

"Sherlock Holmes- A Game of Shadows"

Caught this movie with J & his colleague, Gar Lun at the new I12 Katong GV cinema. Am quite impressed by the way the movie was filmed. Like the plot of the movie as well. =D

Sleepless & amused...

Sleepless nights have somehow creeped back into my life...missed chatting with my sis when we can't sleep...now, I get to be amused when my hubby sleep-talks...

2 nights ago
Him (sits up halfway): "Have you gotten the shake?"
Me: "Huh? What shake?"
Him: "Those selling at the push-cart stalls..."
Me: "Huh? What are you talking about dear? I don't understand...what shake?"
Him: "Nevermind." ~ snores...
Leaving me totally baffled...next morning when I questioned him, he says he doesn't remember...

Tonight: "Ehm...Just give me a light coffee." ~ snores...

Surely, tmr morning when I ask him abt it, he'll not remember a thing...=P

"With this ring, I marry you."

My marital status is no longer "single" but has become "married" since 24 November 2011...=D

Trying to get used to being addressed as "Mdm Lai" & "Mrs Chua" (sound so old... =S)

Very grateful that everything went well on our wedding day. Thanks to a very efficient and helpful team of Brothers & Sisters, my cousin Ah Xiong Kor who helped with the whole day of photography, littleredants for the videography, my cousin Ah Cheng Jie who graciously lent us her BMW as our bridal car, all the relatives who helped in one way or another, Meritus Mandarin hotel team & a very nervous Teddy Chua Momo.

Though I was also nervous about the first march-in and the second march-in (thinking how best to enter the banquet hall and be on stage without tripping on my gown)...I tried my best to contain my nervousness as I wanted to calm Teddy Chua more...he was practically shaking as we stood outside waiting for our second march-in as there's the speech on-stage which we'll deliver.

The photo-taking for 51 tables of guests also went according to schedule and our wedding dinner was able to end by 11+pm.

I suppose the adrenaline & happiness of the whole day sustained me. Tiredness hit me only when we got back to the bridal suite as Teddy Chua's JC council friends insisted we drank a beer and probably red wine concoction. It was lights out ard 2am as I had to shower and remove the make-up before having the extra late dinner.

Frankly, there were a few moments where I almost teared but I remembered my Dad's words to me: "No matter what happens on the wedding day, you are to keep your smile and not cry or lose your temper...everyone will be watching you." Moreover, the make-up artist keep saying that due to the fake eyelashes and make-up, I'm not to cry at all...so when I felt the tears coming, I contained them which is quite a feat considering how easily I cry when I watch movies or feel touched...=P

Looking forward to see the video and photos of the actual day. ^_^

Trepidation to Exhilaration

After months of waiting and an unsuccessful Open Posting school transfer, trepidation creeps in...keep telling myself not to have high hopes due to the fear of great disappointment...just plan for the worse that if the transfer is unsuccessful, I'll have to take 3 buses to get to work.

Finally, heard from a colleague that the Closed Posting results will be revealed tomorrow. Was trying to check my work email before I sleep when I saw the email notification of posting results. The same anxious feeling when checking NIE Exam results online gripped me...still, I've got to know...hence I clicked on that attachment...

The transfer is successful!

Though I'll miss my colleagues at my current school, but a huge wave of relief overcame me. I'm spared from the gruelling daily travel...

Next step would be to adapt to a totally new environment...fresh start to 2012...

1 week apart...

Sent Teddy Chua for his business trip with his parents at Changi Airport. Will be the 1st time Teddy Chua is away frm me for 1 week. 12 hrs time difference as he is in Washington D.C. , will 'survive' with sms...Soon, he'll be back and I'll be at the airport to welcome him home. =)

Children's Day Birthday

Feeling very blessed to enjoy my birthday on Children's Day. It's the first year that MOE decided to allow the 1st Friday of October to be Children's Day holiday and it falls on 7 Oct this year. I woke up much later and spent my day playing Facebook, thanking all well-wishes and completing a project report.

By evening, it was time to set out to meet Teddy Chua for my birthday dinner treat. It was pouring quite heavily and I was running late as I got carried away doing my report. Luckily, Teddy Chua was patient enough to wait for me (think i was abt 15min late). We went to Bugis, Hotel Intercontinental, where he treated me to Japanese food. We walked to Bras Brasah to check out a book store but it was already closed. The slight drizzle added a romantic feel to the after-dinner walk. We walked over to artichoke, at Sculpture Garden but it was a full-house.

We went back to the lounge area in Hotel Intercontinental where Teddy Chua insisted on getting a mini birthday cake for me. The pianist was very observant and when the cake was served with a single lit candle, he immediately played the birthday song before resuming his original piano piece. Though Teddy Chua is tired out from work, his efforts to make me happy on my birthday is much appreciated.

I got home and sis gave me a handmade letter with our photos and a red packet...Thank you all dearies...i feel very loved and blessed to have all of you in my life. =)

Birthday celebration 2011

Celebrating my birthday a weekend in advance as Dad is going overseas for a business trip on the actual day. Mum ordered my birthday Black Forest cake from Pine Garden.

J gave me a handmade gift and a birthday card with a message that touched me till I teared...

He spent almost 6 hours at night to complete the gift!

Thank you my loved ones...I feel very blessed to be loved and cared for by all of you!

Trying out something new...

After PSLE Invigilation and collecting my students' work back to mark, decided to try my luck to make a last min appt at Ang Mo Kio for a trial slimming treatment which I bought online some time ago. The centre was available and instead of the meridien massage which is more suitable for the older ladies, the therapist recommended fire cupping 拔罐 and infra-red rays to help with fat burning instead.

Was a little concerned as it's my first time trying this out and recently in Taiwan, a famous artiste, 齐秦 was badly injured due to a similar treatment. The therapist assured me since it's my first time trying it out, she will know how to regulate the temperature for me to experience it.

The therapist did acupuncture point massage to help break down the fats. She used a moisturising oil to soothe the skin before the fire cupping and infra-red rays begins. The session ended and I can see some of the areas having bruises, blue-black feeling...don't think I'll try it again *_*

Here's your chance to proclaim your love for him...say it.

Dear Jason Teddy Chua Momo,

Thank you for taking the first step to ask me out and giving us a chance to experience the ups and downs in our life journey. Your love and efforts to make me happy can be felt and seen by myself and those around me. I know I have someone to motivate and support me and I wish to become your supportive half. I look forward to our life together as a married couple, beginning another phase and many other interesting chapters in our life from now on. I love you.

Hugs & Muacks,

Geraldine PandaKoala Lai

Mimolette: A special place in our hearts

This is where we've spent our 1st Valentine's day.

This is where J proposed.















This is where we filmed our pre-wedding video.

This is where wonderful memories are created...

http://www.mimokitchen.com.sg/

Soon they will unveil the new look for Mimolette...restuarant will be renamed with new furnishings and menu.

We'll miss the old Mimolette but looking forward to visit them again.

Selamat Hari Raya

Spent the day packing my things at Teddy Chua's place and trying to help prepare our wedding guest scrapbook. Was invited by Az & Roy to have dinner at Az's place in Tampines. Her mum made a lot of nice Malay food and it's been some time since I last ate delicious Malay home-cooked dishes. My fave is the beef rendang...sedap! The pandan tea also brought back nice memories of my YEP Surin days. Spent some time catching up with Roy & had fun taking photos with Az and her friends. =)

Another 2 mths has passed...

Been so caught up with work and preparing for wedding stuff that I've not been blogging...here are some of the highlights...

Celebration of Teddy Chua's 30th birthday with different birthday gifts:

• Loewe couple fragrance,
• sports car cuff links,
• handmade card,
• dinner at "Sun with Moon",
• drinks and dessert at "jones the grocer",
• meeting up with his JC pals, Grace and Yan Xun for supper,
• tickets to Korean Drawing show "HERO".

Wedding preparation:

• Arranged for pre-wedding and actual day Videography with littleredants
• Getting wedding invitation cards printed
• Selection of our wedding photos, both Taipei and Local
• Preparing our own scrapbook for wedding guests to write their well-wishes
• Consolidating guest lists
• Booked our Honeymoon trip at NATAS fair- changed destination frm Hawaii to Mauritius

Whenever friends ask "how's your wedding preparations?", i can only answer "taking things 1 step at a time" with a twinge of guilt as I was putting work as main priority during the hectic Term 3 period.

It's really quite a challenge trying to balance work and preparing for our wedding but thankfully, I am still "surviving" as I have my pillar of strength aka Teddy Chua.

HERO Drawing Show

Went to Downtown East to catch the Korean Drawing show "HERO" with Teddy Chua in the evening. We went to a Thai restaurant for dinner and had some time to walk around before the show began at 8pm. It's been quite some time since I felt so relaxed. Prior to the show, we indulged in a Magnum ice-cream each and I felt that it was too sweet. Should have stuck to my decision to try Fruitare's new grape flavour popsicle.

I bought the show tickets as part of Teddy Chua's birthday gift and deliberately chose seats very near to the stage as I understand that for such performance, you won't enjoy it as much by looking at the big screens.

Once the show began, we were kept entertained by 4 very talented Korean performers. They could dance, do speed drawing and engage the audience with their humour. I was very impressed with their 80 minutes (no intermission) performance and felt that it was well-worth the $$$. The show began with a solo speed drawing of Guevara, followed by an action painting of a jigsaw piece of Michael Jackson by the 4 performers, a solo dust drawing of Bruce Lee, a solo speed drawing of a scenery piece with a Tiger, group performance of a rubik cube art piece of Superman, a pair performing light drawing of cupid with a couple, a group marbling drawing of underwater scene with marine creatures and mermaid, culminating with a marvelous 3 performers using speed drawing for the main characters in "The Three Kingdoms".

There was a photo session at the end but we decided to just catch a few snapshots of the art pieces as there were a huge crowd lining up to take photos. A sample of their talents:

"Captain America"

Caught this film with Teddy Chua at Marina GV after having dinner at the relatively newly renovated Marina Square food court. I love the view from the food court. Great spot for taking NDP fireworks in air-conditioned food court.

Hectic May and June

A lot has happened since I've last blogged...

At Work

May: Change of new timetable, getting to know more students, teaching new subjects, changing to new CCA timeslot, adjusting to the new work schedule...

June: Meetings, CCA sessions, P6 Intensive Programme and planning for Semester 2...

Personal Life

May: Learning more about Teddy Chua and his family during each interaction opportunities...

June: Getting excited about Taiwan June Bridal photoshoot & holiday with Teddy Chua, experiencing a totally unique and memorable Taiwan holiday trip, exhilarating and tiring local Bridal photoshoot, getting our "nest" ready...=)

Fun-filled Saturday

After going to the Polling station early at 8:30am, I made my way to J's house and woke him up as his parents wanted to go cast their votes already. I waited at his house while they went out.

After lunch at home, we took SBS 10 to Vivocity as J's brother wanted to use the car. Along the way, we were discussing about where to live after we got married. Will try to apply for our own flat once we're married, hope we don't have to wait too long.

Upon reaching Vivo, we went to get our movie tickets for "Thor" showing at 6:40pm. Since the digital version provides sharper images without extra costs and we could get a better view, we bought the tickets. By using the VISA UOB card, we were able to use the express lane so the queuing time was shortened.

We went to The Soup Spoon to grab something to eat and drink as I felt hungry by 3+pm. We met an elderly couple sitting near us and I was commenting to J that they are the type that age gracefully. The old uncle was curious about what drink we ordered so his wife asked me since I was sitting closer to her, told her it's iced lemon tea and she went to order a bigger cup to share with her husband. =)

Headed to the second-hand bookstore to look for "Water for elephants" (currently a movie) but they didn't sell the book. Spotted "The Monk who sold his Ferrari" instead and bought it since I remember my ex-principal recommending this book.

We went shopping and I met my ex-student with her mum at one of the stalls selling handmade accessories. We went to check out the newly opened Uniqlo and there were so many people buying clothes! Managed to find the Cath Kidston blouse I liked and even another camera tee (actually a guy's tee but I can wear size S). Tried on a black dress and J thought it looked gd, he also chose 2 tops: 1 of Kewpie which I told him to get so we could wear the similar tees when we go out and 1 of dri-fit top so he could wear after his jogging trips.

Left the shop and went to check out Forever21 but didn't fancy anything. We went to Toys 'R' Us to see the gashapons. We tried our luck at one of the gashapons with Tomica toy cars, I managed to get the grey GT-R which we were eyeing after J tried 2 times. The capsule for the cars were also different frm the normal ones we see. Will prob try again the next time we see the machine.

Loved the "Thor" movie, felt that the plot was much better than "Iron Man 2" as they included romance, friendship, kinship and action together. Stayed till the end of the credits and saw a sneak preview to the next movie by Marvel: "The Avengers". "Captain America" will be showing soon and we planned to catch that as well.

After the movie, it was already 9pm, we went to have our dinner at Shin Kushiya. I tried the Beef udon but the Japanese noodles they used was like a smoother "meepok", easier to eat than the normal udon. J tried the chicken udon and we shared the grilled teriyaki cod fish along with the skewers platter. We also tried the Peach Chuhai and J seemed to like the cocktail quite abit. Headed to the taxi stand where we spent some time trying to call a cab as there were alot of people. Extremely happy and contented day! ^__^

Sleepless in Singapore

Since Thursday night's episode of losing sleep, it happened again last night...could only manage 2 hrs of zzz for these 2 days as I was physically tired but mentally awake...quite frustrating when you want to rest but somehow your mind doesn't allow you to.

At least I managed to be more "productive" as I made use of the peace & quiet to do some work. Somehow with so little sleep, I can still function in the day...my sister was asking if i'm "eating battery" like the korean cyborg movie...maybe i've too much on my mind to get proper rest...

Physical exhaustion vs Mental exhaustion

Last night after reaching home at 11+pm, technically, after a hectic work day and going out with Teddy Chua in the evening, I should be very tired and can enter dreamland quite swiftly. However, I couldn't sleep at all...I managed to get a shut-eye of about 2 hours only and decided to wake up for good to complete more marking.

Managed to function for the day and still could stay back in school to do more marking before lugging the remaining work back home for the long weekend. Tonight, the difference is more physical tiredness than before but still the mind is awake. Hence the blogging at this hour when I should be in dreamland. I hope this doesn't continue or Singapore Pandaclub manager's post will be reinstated very soon...can already see slight dark rings around my eyes...

Rio Soundtrack ♫♫♫ - Fly Love - Jamie Foxx

Patience is a virtue

Accompanied Teddy Chua for his haircut at SuperCuts at Siglap and saw this family bringing their toddler girl for her haircut...she's very smart and when she felt the hairstylist uncle come close with the comb and scissors, she wanted to turn around to stop him. Hence the parents have to try different ways to distract her and the hairstylist was very fast in cutting her hair. Besides a few frowns, the haircut process of about 25 minutes was uninterrupted. I thought the hairstylist was very skillful as he knew when he should stop, in case the child gets hurt by his scissors but at the same time he was able to complete the haircut quickly.

Lesson learnt: Next time when I have my own kid, have to find a very skillful hairstylist in handling children and have Teddy Chua with me to distract the child...or like what Teddy Chua said have to train the child to not make a scene in public, which I think is much more challenging...

Tanya Chua and The Cities concert

Waiting for the concert to begin! =)

Tanya's special guest: Kit Chan!

Her dress actually shows photos of her trips to the different cities, love the cutting but the shoulder design...hmm...

I love this gown! It has a crossed back design too!

Sis was tasked to write an article for Lianhe Zaobao for Tanya Chua's first concert in Singapore and she has an extra ticket. She let me have the chance to go with her since Mum accompanied her for SHE concert before. Teddy Chua drove us to Mountbatten MRT station so we could take a train to Stadium, which was 1 stop away. We arrived there quite early and at the North Entrance, they were selling her CDs and there was a corner where Rock Records was trying to do some promotion. By filling in your details, they were giving away flashing light torches which you can use during the concert. They will update us if there are concerts coming up as well...quite a good idea to promote their own artiste.

After we sat down, I was checking my facebook and saw that my colleague was here with his wife too! We spotted them and soon after I posted on fb, he looked around and managed to spot us, we waved to each other too...so coincidental...haha. Before the concert began, we saw 王沺裁 seated just in front of us!

Her concert's guests were 陈洁仪 & 叶良俊. It's been so long since Kit Chan sang and she sang 《Home》 with Tanya and while Tanya went to change, she sang 《追》with the grand piano accompaniment by Jimmy Yap. It has been a long while since Jimmy performed...quite a pleasant surprise to see him.

There was a section where Tanya had musicians playing music with an Indian feel but she adapted popular songs like 《Umbrella》 by Rihanna and 《Pokerface》 by Lady Gaga which made it very interesting. Tanya also danced with a Broadway performer for 1 of her songs and it’s the first time I’ve seen her dance. She also played on 3 instruments, namely the guitar, piano and harmonica. She unveiled 2 of her new songs, one in English which is slated to be released as her next album and for the encore and ending song, 《下次见》, a Chinese song whose title aptly ended the concert. The last gown she wore at the concert was also my personal favourite cos it accentuates her figure and the cutting is very flattering. Besides her Chinese slow rock songs, she also sang English songs and even a French song.

The only imperfections of the concerts were the sections where she was nervous and made minor mistakes like singing the wrong lyrics for 4 songs and was late to start the song for 1. The lighting was also quite horrendous as there would be instances where she would be singing and the spotlight would shine into the audience’s eyes, forcing us to look only at the 2 wide screens at the sides. There was also an instance where the stage lights were dimmed so low that Tanya couldn’t see her guitar which she has to play to start the next song and she had to ask for the lights…

Overall, it was a pleasant experience as I’ve never attended a concert with my sister before and it’s been quite a long while since my first concert, which was the Andy Lau 1999 concert whose tickets were won. (The 2^nd concert was by 费玉清 where my sis and I felt very out of place cos my Dad just bought the tickets without letting us know first) Hope to go to the Fish Leong concert but have to see if Teddy Chua wants to have his first concert experience by a Chinese artiste. Photos taken from xinmsn.com

TRA

After hearing from the bridal shop sales consultant and my facial therapist, decided to contact this consultant who promotes The Right Approach programme. Teddy Chua and I met her at Bras Brasah and did the analysis for weight and fats. After explaining to us about the programme, I decided to give it a go. For 3 months, I have to keep a food diary and with 2 normal meals a day with 1 meal of meal supplement, I have to down several different types of herbal capsules too...why did I decide to take this challenge? There's the urgency of the wedding photoshoot in June and the actual wedding day in November. Apparently, after stopping the programme the weight does not rebound back and the skeletal muscle would increase with a decrease in visceral and body fat. Have always been skeptical about eating products to lose weight but I guess I'm pretty much at my wit's ends. For Teddy Chua, for myself I will see if this programme works afterall...

Busy weekend

Saturday: Followed my parents and sis to Mount Vernon to pay our respects to my maternal grandfather as it's the Qing Ming period. For lunch, we went to have wanton noodles where the waiting was much longer than the eating. Had to keep Teddy Chua waiting as he finished his praying with his family much earlier than me. Met him at Bishan and after buying a Kevin Kern music score book, we took the Circle line to Suntec city. Went to the MOE ExCEL fest to check out the exhibition as most of the classes are full already. They gave away a recyclable bag with a mug and after touring the exhibits where there were more secondary school projects, we left the convention hall. Walked over to Raffles City to start my hunt for the wedding heels. Went to Robinsons first and they were giving more discounts for members this weekend. Managed to get 1 pair from Vi Vie and quickly went to pay for it. Also got the silicon bra so that I can wear it for any strapless dress. We went to Tangs Studio next and found a pair of heels that looked quite normal but was quite nice after I've tried it on. Was hesitant to buy it but Teddy Chua insisted in getting it for me. Thank you dear! Went to Occasion next and tried on a black dress that looked quite good, found a clutch bag too but in the end left the shop without buying and Teddy Chua kept asking why i didn't buy it...tried on a few more gowns at Dress Sense but their gowns are super ex...the one I really like costs $999, rental would be $200+! Browsed around for the rest of the shops but didn't buy anything else. MOS burger was selling t-shirts to help raise funds for Japan. Wanted to buy a same design tee with Teddy Chua but they ran out of my size so we only bought 1 for Teddy Chua. Headed home around 8+pm and Teddy Chua was dead beat. After dinner, he just "concussed" on his bed and entered dreamland while I used his computer.

Sunday: Teddy Chua came to fetch me and we headed to Kovan to fetch Yifen as I've arranged to have lunch with her. We went to Suntec as she wanted to get a braun buffel pouch for her handphone. We went to Shin Sapporo Ramen to have lunch and the food is quite nice. Yifen kindly agreed to come along for my gown fitting and help give her opinions. Before we left the area, walked over to Raffles City, Occasion where I showed Yifen the dress and the clutch...she said both were nice and I bought them...this weekend spent alot of $$$. Today's gown fitting was much better as the girl kinda figured out my taste and could find gowns that are to my liking. The sales person, Helen was also around to help give her opinions. Yifen left around 6+pm while I continued to try the gowns. Managed to find 7 gowns which will be reserved for me...so happy! =D Teddy Chua also reserved 2 suits but hopefully they will have more the next time we visit as his size provided quite limited choices today. After having dinner at a nearby Korean restaurant, 2D1N Soju Bang, we headed home...very very tired...

Citibank Joint account

After work today, Teddy Chua came over for dinner as we needed to sign a courier document. The document is for a joint account with Citibank which Teddy Chua thinks is good for us to start saving money. Initially, he suggested having 2 such accounts and I thought why not make it a joint account since by pooling our money together, we can get a higher interest. There was a section to state my relation to the main applicant and I asked Teddy Chua what to fill in...was thinking if there's such a thing called wife-to-be...haha...in the end, he asked me to fill in "wife"... Hmm...for the first time, there's a change in the status...have to get used to it i suppose...

"Red Riding Hood"

Yesterday after work, i went to get tickets at GV Vivocity for "Red Riding Hood" before heading to PageOne to check out the books. Managed to find some travel books about Taiwan and spent my waiting time browsing through them. As I had Big Breakfast with sis in the morning, didn't take lunch so by the time Teddy Chua appeared, I was quite faint with hunger.

We went to Shin Kushiya for dinner as they were donating 10% of the bill to the Japan earthquake. Tried a prawn head miso soup, very nice...Teddy Chua loves the lychee martini with sake...think they made the drink very well.

Found a necklace with a small treble clef pendant at a shop that costs $13, decided to get it. We went to see the gashapons next and I got the new range of macaroons with animals, koala, bear, cat and dove!

GV came up with a Rio popcorn set and it comes with a tumbler with straw so decided to get it. The movie is very interesting. The female lead, Amanda Seyfried looks very good in the red cape and her two boyfriends look presentable too. By the time the movie ended, we were quite tired. Reached home by 12:10am.

Tappety Tap...tappety tap...

Been trying to finalise and get the tapshoes for the students so that they can begin wearing them and get used to them. I actually dreamt of the shoes and students with the instructor saying that she's preparing a performance and how many students are needed. There were some students who quitted and we needed to find more to get the required number for the performance. (0__0") Today during the practice, the students got the new shoes which we ordered for them. They were excited to try out their new shoes and have to learn how to walk as quietly as possible with the tap shoes. They need to control their feet and not make so much noise. Tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap......

Great World City

After having lunch with Teddy Chua's parents and mine with sis at Mao Xing Teochew Restaurant, headed to Dynasty travels to collect our air tickets. They made a mistake with the hotel booking so they will mail it to me.

Headed to Great World City next as I wanted to check out Dorothy Perkins. Intend to use the voucher my colleague gave which can get 20% discount on regular items. Managed to find a dress with my size that looks quite nice. I've been wanting to get something similar for some time but couldn't find a suitable dress. Got the dress for $60.80. A little pricey but it's all lace so find that it's worth it.

We tried to look around for ideas for my wedding footwear. Some of them look good but the heels are not tall enough. Need to get an evening bag so that I can put my handphone and wallet when I go for wedding dinners or to nice restaurants like Mimolette.

We saw a sparrow flying around in the 3rd storey, looking very lost. In the end, it just perched on the GV gold sign and rested. Looked so pitiful...hope it manages to find it's way out. Had Island Creamery's Apple Pie ice-cream while Teddy Chua had Banana ice-cream.

I bought a Japanese brand mascara which comes with a mascara remover. Quite interesting as normally people just use make-up remover. Will try it for the coming weekend with my contact lenses. ^_^

Acuvue Moist

Saw that the site for disposable contact lens were giving away a free pair so decided to arrange for an eye examination to try it out. The optometrist told me I had very slight astigmatism and that contact lens won't help to correct it but just give me clear vision for the degree. Was advised to get Acuvue Moist as the lens are softer and won't give as much stress to the eyes and would not cause dryness. The optometrist taught me how to wear the contact lens and also how to take them out. She commented that I'm quite fast in learning how to wear and I was able to take the lens out on the first try. Since it's the first time I'm wearing the contact lens, I can only wear them for 4 hours to let my eyes adjust to them and not to stress my eyes out. Subsequently, I can increase the hours by 2 each time and normally the disposable contact lens can last up to 10-12 hours. The contact lens that can help enlarge the eyes costs more so decided to wait and see if I can get use to the moist lens first. By getting 4 boxes that can last me 2 months, I can waive off the eye examination fees and since there was a promotion, I bought the 4 boxes. Will probably wear them during weekends since I need to use the computer at work and it might create more stress for my eyes.

Observation

Had my classroom observation by RO and VP for my P1 class this year. Went for the post-observation conference this morning and they were not pleased with the lesson. They said that I didn't meet expectations as the lesson was conducted in English instead of Chinese. My rationale was that the students were international students and when I tried using Chinese to teach them before, they couldn't understand. I thought that by using English, they would be able to follow the lesson and can learn the Hanyu Pinyin taught. Looks like my move was wrong. From now on, I will have to use Chinese to teach them even though they have difficulty understanding the language. They just have to get used to it and cope.

7th swim

After 2 weeks without swimming, it's back to the pool again this morning. Did 22 laps and Teddy Chua commented that I'm getting the strokes correct now...getting more used to it. Lost 2.3kg since the first swim. We went to IKEA Tampines next to check out the wardrobe design and to have our lunch. Managed to get some ideas for our wardrobe before we headed for French Bridal at Tanjong Pagar to do the first gown fitting. Managed to choose 2 gowns out of about 12 that I'd tried. Still got to make another trip down to choose the gowns for the Taiwan photoshoot as well as the evening gowns.

Sun with Moon Wheelock

Went to town with sis as she's meeting her friends there to celebrate her birthday while I'm meeting Teddy Chua. We went to Pacific Plaza first to see if we can send his adidas watch strap for replacement. In the end, the strap would costs $55 and have to wait 2-3 months...we decided that it's not worth it so headed to Sun with Moon Wheelock to get our dinner as the $20 voucher I got expires today. Got to wait for about 30 min as the restaurant's full. Both of us were quite hungry but we can only wait. Had sashimi, yakiniku kamameshi, agadeshi tofu and a dessert that is similar to creme brulee only milkier. Headed to Levis in ION for Teddy Chua to get his free tee and also to buy a pair of jeans at $50 off. Picked up sis at Hilton before heading home.

"Gnomeo & Juliet"

Went back to school for CCA till 1pm. Shared the cab with the instructor and dropped her off at Tampines before heading to Teddy Chua's place. After lunch, we went to Suntec and was told that the adidas watch can only be sent for repairs at Pacific Plaza's Fossil shop. Went to redeem my Old Town coffee as I got an mms advert which allows me to get a cup for free. We were walking over to Marina Square when we were approached by a UOB staff to sign up for their credit cards. Teddy Chua decided to sign up for it and he gave me a supplementary card! Thanks dear! We thought that the Manhattan credit card was by DBS but it's by Standard Chartered. Teddy Chua signed up for it too. We went to buy movie tickets at Marina Square before going to see the kiap wa was. We tried for the cinamoroll and when that didn't seem possible, I tried for melody and it dropped to the side...cos the bottom was lined with fake grass, melody got stuck there. The person said it didn't count...must drop to the bottom...sheesh...so sickening! In the end, didn't manage to kiap anything. =( The movie was very cute and funny. We had a good time watching it. Went to Sushi Tei for dinner before buying the nice takoyaki home. Bought a share for Teddy Chua's parents too and his mum seemed very happy about it. =)

March holidays are here!

So glad that the March holidays are here...though it's only 1 week but still it's a welcome break. Need to go back to school for tap dance on Wednesday but other than that, the rest of the days I'm free. Plan to pack my room and throw away or give away alot of stuff...luckily sis promised to help...Looking forward to 20 March as it's the first fitting for my gown!

Occupied Weekend

Sat: After we had lunch at home, we went to NATAS travel fair at EXPO. Managed to book our flight tickets and hotel for June to Taiwan. A lot of flights are taken up already as it's the school holidays. We head to Sim Lim next to get the solar hp charger so that Teddy Chua can use during his outfield training next week. We went to Pan Pacific to have dinner at Keyaki but was told they had a full house, so got to wait for their call. We went to buy groceries at Carrefour first for his outfield training. Managed to go back to the restaurant at 8+pm to have a very nice Jap dinner.

Sun: Went to swim at SSC...it's our 6th trip there and I've lost 2.4kg since the first trip. We had lunch and headed home first. Around 4:30pm we went to fetch Jixin to go visit Shuying and her baby boy in Ang Mo Kio. Went back to Teddy Chua's place for dinner as he has to book in by 9pm.

Monopoly Millionaires

After seeing Teddy Chua play the game twice, decided to try it out myself. Think the graphics are quite colorful.

Dad's birthday

After protesting that I've no energy and my tummy is hungry, Teddy Chua still made me swim 20 laps. As it was already 4+pm and it was cloudy, I didn't get more "chao da" than before. Went to have a chicken pie and ice milo before heading to Beach Road to meet my parents and sis at the Teochew restaurant.

Chao Shan Cuisine serves traditional Teochew food. The food is quite tasty. Gave Dad an angpao besides the Kevin Kern CD for his birthday. Ate till I was very full...=P

The King's Speech

Met up with Teddy Chua after work to head to Orchard. When collecting our movie tickets at Cineleisure, decided to try kiap wa wa and after 3 tries, I managed to get the Rilakkuma with a eye mask for $3! After having dinner at Sushi Tei, we went to Kino before going to coffee club to have a drink and play Monopoly Deal Transformers. Won 6-2...hehe...

The movie was quite interesting and thought that the main actor acted very well...very difficult to act as one who stammers when he can speak perfectly well...

Celebrating Grace's birthday

Went to 313 Somerset to celebrate Grace's birthday with Teddy Chua and his friends. Chose the pink coloured rings I've made for her to decide as she mentioned during Sindy's birthday celebration that she likes pink. She chose the 3 small roses bouquet ring. We had dinner at the restaurant opposite Brotzeit and cut the cake at Charlie Brown cafe. Ordered a cappuccino and they decorated it with a woodstock design on the foam...very cute!

2nd Valentine's Day

As Teddy Chua only slept by 3+am (he was busy making my Vday card), he woke up late for work and his foot was hurting so he went to see the doc. After work, I went to his place to pass him the porter backpack and also the letter card I've made. Teddy Chua got me a rose gold necklace with diamond heart pendant and his handmade card. The necklace and the cards were lovely. We were about to leave the house when his mum returned and she graciously offered her car for us to use as she's planning to have dinner with his dad outside.

We were early for the reservations at Sushi Yoshida. The quiet and secluded restaurant served authentic Japanese food but it's quite pricey. After a very sumptuous dinner, I was trying to find a place that served creme brulee...couldn't locate it and as we walked out of the restaurant, I decided to ask Bar Stop which was just beside if they served dessert. In the end, they did and they have creme brulee!!!

Teddy Chua tried the apple crumble while I got the creme brulee...for drinks, Teddy Chua had lychee martini while I tried the chocolate baileys...there was a live band and overall the experience was very nice...felt so happy and extremely contented...

Next step...

After 18 degree meeting in the morning, I went to look for Teddy Chua at his place. While waiting for lunch, I saw an advert in the papers showing a wedding and travel fair at Suntec this weekend. Asked Teddy Chua if we should go take a look and he said ok. We went to the different stalls and after listening to 7 bridal shops, we were mentally exhausted. We narrowed down to 2 choices: Golden Horse Award and French Bridal. We decided to go home and do some research online to find out the reviews of the 2 bridal studios. In the end, French Bridal was our choice as their reviews are quite alright and I love their gowns.

On Sunday, after our swim (I lost 1.6kg since the first time I checked!) we headed to Suntec to sign the wedding package with French Bridal. We also decided on our wedding favors already.

The next step would be to confirm an auspicious date for the wedding banquet and decide on the number of tables before sourcing for a suitable hotel venue.

Our 1st Anniversary

After work, I rushed down to Sim Lim Square to get the keypad for Teddy Chua as our anniversary gift. Managed to finish doing his card last night. After getting the Logitech gamers keypad, I headed to Wheelock to do threading at browhaus. Went to Newton MRT to meet Teddy Chua around 7pm.

We took a cab to Eng Neo Avenue. He made reservations at Mimolette but refused to let me know. He even decided on the dishes already so basically just sit down, relax and wait to be served. When we arrived, there's no one else at the restaurant and it was already 8pm. Quite a nice feeling to have the whole restaurant to ourselves...as if he booked the whole venue...haha.

The food was delicious and after finishing our dessert, we were thinking of where to go when the waiter came out with 2 champagnes, a bouquet and a ring box. I was pleasantly surprised that he made such arrangements. The waiter put the drinks down first and Teddy Chua took the bouquet to give me first. Next he took the ring box and then when he opened it, I was amazed to find a ring inside. The first thing I did was to ask: " What is this? Is this our ring?" He took it out and while saying yes, it's our ring, he got down on one knee and asked: "So, will you marry me?" I was stunned and with a wide smile I said yes! I hugged him and after a quick kiss, asked him to get up. We enjoyed the champagne while I questioned him how did he managed to pass the ring to the waiter and he also told me that he came by the night before to recce the restaurant. He wanted to ensure that we have enough privacy so he told the restaurant to close the 2 tables beside us and he even checked that he had enough space to kneel down...

After assuring me that he asked for my Dad's permission before (when I went to the restroom during the Lei Garden Lunch), we decided to go back to my place to tell my parents about the proposal.

"The Fighter"

After work, went to PS to buy movie tickets for "The Fighter". Saw a new Korean restaurant so decided to try it. The beef bulgogi and ginseng chicken soup is nice. The decor of the restaurant is also very sweet. Teddy Chua noted that most of the patrons are female...haha, think the healthy korean food appeals to them.
Went to check out the price of Galaxy Tab cos was planning to get 1 for Teddy Chua as our anniversary gift. However, my hp contract is due only in June 2011, so we were unable to purchase and renew the plan now. To get the Tab alone would cost $900+ which is too pricey. Have to crack my brains now as to what to get him next. The MM's new book is an option but it's boring as a gift...
The movie was ok, not extremely fantastic but since it's based on a true story I suppose they couldn't dramatise it too much.

A different CNY

Couldn't celebrate CNY this year as grandfather passed away last july...had a nice dinner on the eve of CNY then stayed up late to shou shui. For the first day, stayed at home to try to do my work but didn't really have the mood to do them, tried to get a nap but also failed...
Went to Teddy Chua's place on the second day to celebrate with his family. Played Monopoly Deal Transformers after dinner with his cousin and brother's gf.
On the third day, Teddy Chua met us at my house to go to the temple in Boon Lay to pray before we went to Sindy's house for the Chinese New Year lunch. They got a mobile restaurant to cook for their relatives and friends. It was a 8 course lunch and they were able to fit 16 tables in their house! Very impressive...it was a normal meal table that sits 10 or 11 adults...we went to Orchard next cos wanted to get the Valentine's Day gift for Teddy Chua. In the end I couldn't decide which brand of backpack to get him so had to get him to go see. Bought a porter brand backpack for him in the end. Bought a Jap magazine which gave away hello kitty earphones. I like the clothes and shoes featured in the magazine...will try to look for similar ones in Sg.
On the fourth day, went to have ng ah sio bak kut teh with Dad's taiwanese friends in the morning. Dad sent me to Teddy Chua's house and I had lunch there before we went to Funan to get his youngest bro's birthday gift. We bought a lenovo thinkpad from mc2. Had dinner at Singapore Swimming Club and tried the brownie cheesecake.
This year's new year is quite different but managed to get a good rest.

Bunny year is here

Went to work super early, by 6:30am I'm in school already cos we got a concert to prepare. Everything went smoothly and by 10:45am I'm back at home. After lunch, packed my wardrobe and took a nap as I only slept about 3 hours last night. Had steamboat dinner with barbecued marinated meat and sweetcorn. Sis helped me apply Chanel nail polish...cherry pink colour.

Celebrating Sindy's birthday

Went to Vivocity to wait for Teddy Chua who was taking a lift frm Yanxun. As the dinner place is rather far, at Alexandra, Yanxun offered to give us a lift. The restaurant is call hosted and the food is quite nice. Chose a purple rose ring I've made as a gift for Sindy. Luckily, purple is her favourite colour. Yanxun also drove Amy and myself home. Teddy Chua alighted when I reached home cos Yanxun was heading back to Serangoon.

Rainy weekend

Met up with Peishi & Teddy Chua at Takashimaya's Tampopo for lunch. Charity and her husband were supposed to join us but Chat spoiled her hp so we couldn't reach her. Went to prologue to get “一个人吃太饱”。 The price is the cheapest there ($13). Went to Gustimo for ice-cream, we had black rice, green tea and white wine. The black rice ice-cream had a taste like bean.

Dinner was a treat by Teddy Chua with his family at Irodori Japanese ala carte buffet restaurant. The restaurant is located at River View hotel. The food was quite nice. Ate quite full...

We intended to go swimming on sunday morning but it was raining so just went over to Teddy Chua's place. Dinner was at Serangoon Gdns, Poh Sing Chicken rice. The new shopping complex had udders so we had ice-cream there. They offered pens for us to decorate the glass panes so we did some drawings.

劉德華-悟 新少林寺電影主題曲

Shaolin

Went to Le Meridien to eat the Korean food for dinner with Teddy Chua. The owner is his JC classmate...didn't know that. Caught "Shaolin" at Plaza Sg and I thought the movie is much better than the "Phantom Flame". I like the view of the temple, looks very stately.

Burlesque

Caught this movie with Teddy Chua at Cineleisure Orchard last night...I like the music in the movie, especially the song by Cher "You haven't seen the last of me"...

3rd trip

Swam 28 laps today as there's alot of feasting going on for this week, with dinner at Outback on Friday with Teddy Chua's colleagues, sat buffet lunch with grandma & sis at park royal hotel, sat dinner at tung lok restaurant to celebrate Teddy Chua's Mum's birthday, sun dinner at seafood international to celebrate my Mum's birthday...lost 300g since the first time I weigh myself at the swimming club...slow process...

2nd trip to Singapore Swimming Club

Went to Singapore Swimming Club for the second time yesterday morning...did 22 laps...2 with the float that we got on Friday, to train on kicking...tried the jacuzzi pool in the changing room as well. Woke up this morning to feel my upper back muscles strained...at least the arms and legs are fine...=)
P.S. I've lost 200g since last week...very slow process...

Determination...

Just made a promise over the phone with Teddy Chua: 1 teh tarik per month...that's the limit...have to curb my teh tarik urges from now on if I want to slim down...on Sunday when I went to swim, there was a digital weighing machine in the changing room...realised I need to lose 20kg...yes...20...not 2kg only...so I've decided to go on a no rice diet...(im not a big fan of rice anyway) mainly vegetables, fruits and fish...minimum chicken...avoid other meats...hopefully with this new diet and swimming once a week can help to lose weight...i will stick to it!

2011 School Day 1

Went to school in anticipation...going to see new faces in my P1, 2 & 3 classes...think too excited so got a slight headache last night. Took panadol and went to sleep, woke up fresh and ready for work.

After searching for students and settling some work matters, went back at 5:30pm...dead beat...need to rest early tonight to recharge my batteries...

Btw, today's Teddy Chua's father's birthday...sent an sms in the morning to wish him already. =)

Singapore Swimming Club

After not swimming for at least half a year, decided to go swimming with Teddy Chua this morning...reached the club by 10am and by 10:25am, we were in the pool already. Swam till 1135am...and Teddy Chua made me do 20 laps!!! Never have I swam so much for the same time...couldn't feel my arms anymore...plus didn't have breakfast...so was burping air as I swam...... ( -___-")

In the evening, went to Kian Seng Restaurant at Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 to celebrate Teddy Chua's father's birthday. His actual birthday is on 4 Jan but we are having the dinner first. He didn't want to accept the ang bao I've prepared for him so will go to Robinsons to get him some vouchers so that he can go and buy things he want. Had suckling pig, crabs and a few other dishes...the suckling pig was very nice but need to order in advance.

Happy 2011

Spent my first countdown with Teddy Chua & his JC friends with BBQ so there were lotsa food and great company.

Went to Orchard to collect the otahs we ordered for the gathering tonight. I went to Plaza Sg to find out if the film for the Gakken camera could be developed. The film was all exposed so have to try again the next time. Went back to prize stage to collect my Rilakkuma nodding head (solar-powered) and decided to try to get the Korilakkuma nodding head. For a few times I was quite close to getting it but missed it by a little...so frustrating...but after some time managed to get it...don't ask how much I've spent...haha...decided to walk to CK Tangs to collect the otahs and thought the little rain would be alright since I had an umbrella but by the time I walked to the Istana, it was raining cats & dogs! Was drenched rather quickly despite having an umbrella...the rain was simply too big. Quickly collected the otahs and headed to Wheelock to try to get a cab since the queue at Lucky Plaza was horrendous. The otahs were already sold out and luckily I've made a reservation.

Teddy came to fetch me around 6pm and after getting some ice and ginger ale, we went to to pick up Justin and reached Sindy's place by 7pm. Had the chance to carry Jiaying for a while and even took a photo with her. She is super adorable...got the urge to ask her mummy if I can be her god-mother...haha...cannot be impulsive on such matters...

Reached home only by 2:30am...quite tired out...but it was fun.