First Chinese New Year as Mrs Chua

初一：
For the first time in my 28 years, I did not have to wake up super early as J's family leave the house only by 10am.
The first stop is the Guan Yin temple at Katong area. J's family have the tradition of lighting the candles to pray for good luck for the new year. The colours of the candles are according to the Chinese Zodiacs.
We went to Serangoon next, J's paternal grandma's house for lunch and to 拜年。Second house we visited was in Balestier, J's 老叔。 The third place we headed for was J's lao gim at Chai Chee. We went to J's maternal grandma's place for dinner and 拜年。

初二：
We visited J's 二舅's place in Seng Kang, followed by J's 美丽阿姨's place in Bishan. We 捞鱼生 during lunch at 美丽阿姨's place. The third stop for J's maternal relatives was our house but as we had to go visiting for my side, we left first. We went to Queenstown 老婶's house first, followed by Eunos 大舅's place to visit 外婆。Dinner was at my parent's place. Watched 《恋爱恐慌症》before leaving for our place at 8+pm.

As it's our first year as a newly wedded couple, we actually received 红包 from the relatives. We did prepare 红包 for our 4 grandmothers, both parents as well as the 2 brothers and sister. Next year, we will have to prepare 红包 for the kids as well.

初三：
Went back to school in the morning for the CNY celebrations. Had lunch with some of my CL colleagues and J at Parkway Parade Central. Went to buy my iPhone 4S as I can renew my hp contract. Chose the 16GB white coloured version. Am no longer belonging to the endangered species of people who don't own an Apple product. Managed to buy the last OPEN将 jelly from Cold Storage. Super happy to find it! =D

《爱到底》

蔡太太的第一个除夕：
- 帮蔡妈妈摆了全部的桔子
- 帮蔡妈妈炒了她拿手的糯米饭材料 （猪肉，香菇，虾米，蒜头）
- 把新年的小吃装好在各别小罐子

吃了丰盛的火锅晚餐，和老公一起回娘家一趟，把糯米饭和白肚鱼送给爸妈。
想吃 Udders 雪糕，但它没开店，所以去了 Haagan Dazs.
买了二手的DVD，守岁时，看了《爱到底》。这部电影有四个小故事，最喜欢九把刀导演的第一部。

今年是水龙年，我们回家不久下了好大的雨。
希望这两天去拜年，天气会晴朗。
希望龙年会带给大家健康和幸福。

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...