Smoked Duck Salad with mandarin oranges

This entry was done long ago, just realized it's in draft instead of being published. ZzzZz.

 Yummy!!! And it's soOoOOo easy to do. =D 

Preparation time: Less than 10minutes

Original Smoked Duck Breast from Duck Chef

Italian Salad dressing from KRAFT

Mandarin Oranges from Hosen 

They're sweet and nice to eat even alone.

To be mixed together with a pack of fresh greens, available from supermarkets.


After the trauma from Antoinette..........be sure to triple wash your salad veg despite they said it's pre-washed and ready to eat.....

Here's the Black Pepper Smoked duck version!!
With that hint of spice, I think it's nicer than the original one. =)

My way of doing:

Although the smoked duck breast is ready to eat, I choose to grill it on both sides for around 2-3 minutes each, just so the duck fat(from the duck skin) will melt and it makes it even more appealing and fragrant!! The meat will still be tender. Soak up the excess oil with paper, slice it and place it on the greens. I like my greens with more flavor so I used 5 tablespoons of Italian dressing to drizzle on them. Drain dry the mandarin oranges and place it on top and you're done!!

You can always add other ingredients which you like, just remember to drain them dry before you toss them in. 

Movie 43.....quite the most stupid show of the century...

Movie title: Movie 43 (R21)

Ratings: 2/5

Comments: I know it's lame Ok! I know it's supposed to be lame, OK? What I meant was it's already beyondddddd my definittion of "LAME". I can take lame. I really can. BUT, for a show to be like this.....it's already past lame, it's stupiddddd and beyond reason!! Even dearie, a fan of lame shows, also said he cant take it. However to be honest, I think the production crew as well as cast of the various different stories were very professional about it as we can really see the effort put in the production...every little advertisement etc. Really...I take my hats off them....my poor Emma....and such a waste of Halle's appearance....I merely wish to murder the people behind the stories...I really wonder did they set up a "Who can come up with the most stupid story" contest, hence the birth of this show. That being said, you'll still wanna sit through the show because at the very back of your mind, you wanna see how much more lame/stupid can it get!! In fact, I think this is better than "Silver Linings Playbook"...at least I didnt take out my handphone to play in the middle of the show. 

Actually, only the 1st short story left an impression on me. Kate and Hugh were so damn funny!!

Oh it's the 1st time that we saw such a long queue for a weekday midnight show. Saw a few gay couples and groups of excited boys. Kinda scary though. But they must had felt super disappointed because not much nudity. Lol.

My favorite food

Currently sticking to home-cooked food. =P Smoked bratwurst sausages, sauteed mushrooms with scrambled eggs. Yummier than they looked. =P

While we're here, I have to say I love these sausages from Johnsonville, they taste SO GOOD!!
Good to go with maggie mees too. =P

Didnt see any with cheese. =(  Hopefully they get imported soon.

For the sauteed mushrooms, simply stir fry them with some oyster sauce, sugar and (fine)black pepper, they're good to eat. And never never have scrambled eggs without Mccormicks coarse ground black pepper. They're a must! I love breakfasts/suppers like this. So easy and yummy. Reasonably healthy too. =)


Now for the unhealthy snacks.................if you're a cheese lover like me...........here's a recommendation.


My favorite nachos of all times!! Cheesy Cheese Nachos from Chachos!! Great to eat on it's own!!

Picture credits: ohmygoodfood.blogspot.com

For more sinful cheese indulgence..........

Cheese dip from Tostitos!!

It's slightly spicy with jalapenos. Usually I'll heat it for a while with microwave to go with my nachos. Warm cheese is so much better than cold cheese! It's saltier than Golden Village's warm cheese but I like it. =P

Quote of the Day

Nice picture...but why they mis-spelled "excellent".....

Giant garbage fly in food at Antoinette, Mandarin Gallery

Warning: Pictures below might cause unpleasantness, nausea and a douse in appetite.

Met up with Lin, Jes and Jas yesterday afternoon at Antoinette, Mandarin Gallery for brunch and tea. All of us ordered a pot of tea each. My pot of Osthmanthus tea was quite fragrant. But heard the Petite Rose and Himalayan tea were forgettable. I also ordered Eggs Benedict at S$12. A thing to note that they charge extra S$3 for poached and scrambled eggs. Requested for margarine to go with my toast and I love the creamy but non-oily margarine.





That being said, there's almost nothing special nor outstanding with my brunch.....until this caught my sight.....and my gall.....

Actually.....I finished almost 80% of my food already...and just wanna finish up the salad too because the dish wasnt filling. I did note that the salad wasnt fresh but really didnt expect find a HUGEEEEEEE GARBAGE FLY amongst the leaves. Immediately, I threw up the food already in my mouth as I pushed all leaves aside to reveal the creature.

Seriously, it's so BIGGGGG that the 2 girls at our neighbor table exclaimed "OH MY GOD!" in an even louder tone than me. They could see it that clearly. I think I was too disgusted to produce alot of noise...I was actually finding my voice. We then signaled a waiter to come and address and the boy said "We're very sorry" and tried to clear the plate. I stopped him, took a picture and said, "No, that wont do. I want to see your manager."

And I complained to him in a disturbed but polite tone. To which he replied, "I'm so sorry...we'll waive off this dish." with an expression which clearly said, "That's too bad...but seriously I dont care if you ate the fly." And when I said it's not about the price of the food but the whole gruesome experience as well as the topic of hygiencics of the restaurant at hand, especially it's kitchen. He then said it's got nothing to do with them as the salad came in pre-washed packet and it's too bad that there's flies in it. But shouldnt you also washed all your vegetables and ensure that they're clean before you place them on the plate?

And then he said "I'm so sorry" then he walked away. His name is Zul(pronounced as "zoo). I think he is an FT? But I'm just wondering if he is and if he is, is it because he's not a local, thus he cant feel for me? At all. 

Actually, I dont wish to make a big hoo-haa of this whole episode but it's bothering more than I can ever imagine. After the sight of that creature, I simply felt nauseous and had no appetite for the entire day/night. It might be psychological as I felt butterflies in my stomach. Still, I tried to forget the incident and continued to chat with my girls because it's so difficult that we can meet up and I dont wish to be a wet blanket. They were very comforting and said encouragingly that I should complain and stomp it or comment on their facebook page or things like that. But I just dont wish to blow up the matter and thought I'm just unlucky.....and I should be able to feel better after awhile... 

But I didnt. I also ordered the strawberry shortcake, hoping to relieve the nausea...but it didnt help at all. I simply got more irritated as it really spoils my day despite how much I wish to make it better. So when we're leaving, I asked for the manager again and said in a very emotionless tone, "We're leaving. With that huge garbage fly in my food, I would assume that our meal should be complimentary?" To which the manager replied, "Of course, the meal will be on me." I was really internally rolling my eyes because it sounded as if he footed the bill instead of simply striking off the cashier chit with a comment "Bill waived because of complaint of garbage fly in food".

I dont remember if he did apologised again(frankly speaking, I dont have good impression of him at all) and I stalked away after saying "Ok." instead of "Thanks". Which is really unlike me. 

We ate again for dinner at Robert Timms....and I simply ate because I know I need to eat.....but basically I really feel like throwing up at the sight of food...or leaves.....I dont suppose I should do a review of their food when I felt nauseous and stomach discomfort at that point in time. I had diarrhea twice when I reached home and the nausea and butterflies-in-stomach-feeling continued for the rest of the night...right until this afternoon And so I went to see the doctor today. All my friends were feeling indignant and righteous for me...although I said the nausea might be because of psychological reasons(心理作用) but my friend said, "Even if it's psychological, it's also because it's caused by them what." I realized that makes alot of sense. Haha. And my dear Lin, commented on Antoinette's facebook page, today, because she felt Antoinette should compensate for any medical costs on my part.

 Actually I wasnt really pissed until I saw them asking ME to email THEM instead. At such an email address, sweets@sugardaddy.com.sg, AS IF I'm trying to claim allowances from my very own sugar daddy. Coupled with my whole "morning sickness", I was really irritated. And so I dropped them a message.

Hi Antoinette, here's the picture of the HUGEEEE garbage fly in my food yesterday with my compliments. Even the girls at my neighbor table were able to see it clearly and exclaimed loudly in awe; truly an "Olympic size" champion. Extremely disgusting! My dear girlfriends were concerned as I felt nauseous and had stomach discomfort for the whole night and even suffered diarrhea. So she posted in your facebook page, asking if Antoinette should compensate in any way. In fact, all my friends felt indignant and righteous about your manager's offhanded attitude and insincere apology. Is it because he's not a local and therefore cannot feel for me? Hmmm........ I've seen the doctor and can well afford my medical bills. And if Antoinette has any decency or sincerity, you should message me for my contact instead of asking me to email YOU at sweets@sugardaddy.com.sg , as if I'm asking for allowances from my sugar daddy. My friend and I used to have a somewhat similar experience at a restaurant at a hotel. Other than waiving the bill, the manager took his number, called the next day to check if he's okie, offered to pay for any medical bills and re-invite us back for another complimentary visit. But of course if you feel that yours cant be compared to a restaurant in a hotel then so be it(not that I wishhhhh to dine in your restaurant ever again, please dont get me wrong) Count me unlucky. I just wish my shared post can warn my friends whom I care. For people who are adventurous, I wish you luck. — at Antoinette Mandarin Gallery.

 Which I think they chose it to be put at the RIGHT tiny collapsed column so that nobody can really see it unless you expand the comment.

In any case, I just checked and they replied, and I had replied since they sounded sincere enough.

 I will update if there's any followups.

My review on hungrygowhere.com on Antoinette

Enough said. Pictures tell a thousand words isnt it....

That is one huge Olympic size garbage fly...I wonder what kind of kitchen can breed it so well......

If you're interested in the details of the whole nauseating experience...sigh....then it's here, http://littlechillipadi89.blogspot.sg/2013/02/giant-garbage-fly-in-food-at-antoinette.html

I'm being very fair and impartial here....judging on my experience, I think I absolutely have the right to rate 1 star for 1st 3 criterias(food/drink/service/value). And I thought I can give more stars for the ambience but thinking back....on the sunday afternoon which we're there, it was as noisy as a market. I dont mind queuing but the place was very cramped too. My 2 friends dont have a proper chair. One was sitting on a small backless lounge chair(her poor back for that few hours...) which is probably meant for bags. And the other friend was sitting on a very low chair which made her too short for the table. 

Until then.....for any adventurous beings...I applaud your courage...

I'm Kaori by the way....., if you're interested in my hungrygowhere reviews.

I felt so much better after my doctor's medicine(for nausea) and even while writing this entry together with the pictures, I did not feel nauseous again. I guess, it wasnt entirely psychological too. Thanks for your concern, if any. =) It's funny just now while I was trying to catch my lunch at a kopitiam near my doctor's clinic. Looking at all the pictures of the food on the banners, I just feel like throwing up. And suddenly I caught sight at 2 guys staring at me with horror in their eyes, I then realized with my hand instinctively and unknowingly clamped onto my mouth and with my horrible nauseated facial expression, they probably thought I was going to throw up there and then. Lol. 

**Update**

Just few minutes after this entry, I realized in order to file an investigation or complaint or whatsoever, one needs to have a so-call record or something(instead of simply asking them to read this entry). So I emailed them an excerpt of this entry and wrote:, 

"I'm glad that despite the offhanded attitude your manager Zul has, the personnel managing your facebook page undoubtedly has more EQ and at least, I can feel some sincerity.

I do wish that this wont happen again and for all the ordeal you had put me through, I do hope you're sincere in making compensations to me and hear from you soon.

Regards

*Updated* Their email reply here.

*Updated* The compensation brunch here. 

February 2013 favorites

So fast..........it's already nearing the end of February 2013. Here's a quick entry on my favorites. Mostly on hair products because I just dyed and permed my hair not long ago, sometime before CNY. It wasnt wavy enough so I had to re-perm it. As a result, my hair are friedddddddd. So I seek out a few hair products for my newly coloured permed hair....which arent really curly...just alittle wavy.

From hair to face to makeup, I've covered it all - a total of 10 faves. Hope you like it. =P

Marc Anthony - Dream Waves Amplifying Shampoo

Tried and love the shampoo. Although sulfate free, it lathers very easily, a little goes a super long way. It amplifies my waves and did not dry out my hair. More importantly, I love how it keeps my scalp fresh for more than 12hours(I have oily scalp). It also have UV protection if I'm not wrong and gives protection against colour fading. My hair colour did fade off to be a lighter shade now but frankly speaking, it's very even and I still like it. At least this shampoo didnt give me golden streaks like how L'oreal(colour care red bottle) did. The only thing which bothers me is it smells too sweet bah........, they say it's coconut? Improves health of hair through time.

Pantene - CliniCare - Hair Time Renewal One Wash Treatment

Makes hair soft and smooth. Apply after shampoo and rinse off.
Pack of 10 costing around S$18 at Watson. Dont let it anywhere near scalp.

L'oreal Professional - Mythic Oil

Leave-in treatment. Leaves hair really glossy and looking healthy.
Sold at around S$45 or more in some local salons but I bought at around S$28 from Glamstar(ebay) including shipping from Athens. I came across this line when I did a treatment in a salon. The S$98 treatment used the entire line of products from Mythic Oil(with treatment mask and steaming etc) and I was impressed by the obvious result which lasted for many days. Shampoo/Conditioner selling at around S$30 each at local salons. Might try them someday if I can find online ones selling cheaper. =P






The Face Shop - Brightening Rice Water - Eye&Lip makeup remover
Best eye&lip makeup remover I've ever used. Shake before use.
Apply on cotton wool. Gentle but effective. Doesnt leave oily residue. Pleasant smell.
 For really stubborn eye makeup, press on eyes for 10seconds or so before wiping makeup off.








Naruko - Magnolia Brightening & Firming Night Gelly
Recommended by Lin! Light and refreshing gel texture which is very soothing. Not oily.
Brightens skin through time and does not break me out. Love it very much, onto my 2nd tub. I dont really feel it firms up my skin though. Only complaint is the packaging, just dont like anything in tubs. Around S$15 in Watsons.

Shills - Moisturizing & Whitening Facial Gel Mask
Apply with a spatula to face and rinse off after 30minutes or so
Whitens the skin and leaves skin supple and fresh. Very cooling, not oily too.
S$20odd at ALT Beauty, BHG departmental stores.

Picture Credits: Yinagoh.blogspot.com
Kiss Me - Heavy Rotation - Eyebrow Palette Shade 01
Like the colours, very nice brown.
Very lasting. Costs less than S$20 and comes with a very decent brush.





Cathy Doll - Speed White CC cream(CC = colour control/colour correcting) in beige

Firstly, how adorable is the packaging?? Leopard preens, I like~~~ Made in Korea.
CC cream seems to be the next in thing after BB cream in year 2013, as it comes with even more skin care benefits than BB creams. Comes with SPF50 PA+++, pretty good oil control and very lasting. I can skip oil control toner and primer, really saves me time. Light and refreshing on the skin but yet corrects the colour in a natural way. Light texture so it blends easily to a matte finish, though alittle powdery. Colour leans more to the fair side so more suitable for fair-skinned people. If you ask me, it's coverage is better than a tinted moisturizer but less than a typical Asian BB cream. And I realized, after makeup removing, skin looks brighter than usual. Hubby confirmed it too. So it might be the nutrients and properties in this CC cream is working? Bought from Karmart in Bangkok for around S$8(think only 200baht only) but guess you can get it in Gmarket/Ebay(around S$30+).





Etude House - Precious Mineral Sun (loose) Powder, SPF15 PA+++  

Very very small and kawaii pot. Easy to bring out. Only S$15. Comes with fragrance, I dont mind though I dont really like. The finest and smoothest loose powder I've ever used. Feels like a dream. Makes your skin real smooth. Even better than my holy grail Laura Mercier loose powder  because it's also more lasting and makes the skin feels much smoother. Little coverage. Extremely light and fine, so much so when I pat on my face, powders tend to fly. So I need to hold my breath if I'm patting on this powder for light coverage. If I soothe the puff over my face, then powder wont fly. 1 colour but pretty translucent. If you want more coverage at night, can always touch up with it's line of pressed powder; Precious Mineral Sun Pact SPF50, PA+++. Mentioned before as my favorite because of it's high SPF too. Pretty lasting, natural coverage.





The Face Shop - Lovely Me Ex Pastel Cushion Blusher in Peach

Lovely peach colour. Very fine texture and subtle so doesnt burden the cheeks(make your makeup look thick). But better to apply lightly with your brush instead of using the puff(doesnt distribute colour evenly). Colour is buildable. Might not be suitable for tanned complexions. Lasting power OK. It has some fragrance but not over powering. Pretty small pot, but bulky. Pretty and good packaging(pretty air-tight despite made from thick cardboard). Bought from Princess Pink Shop at Qoo10.sg, around S$10 including postage. Seller said this contains subtle glitter but really not visible. It's the kind of blush which you will like to collect all the colours.



Feel free to share any favorites/alternatives you have too. =)

Putien Codfish Specialty House @ 2 Phoenix Road

I meant to blog about this great codfish steamboat place for a long while but didnt quite pluck up the effort because the location is kinda difficult to describe and we dont really know the address because our 1st visit was being brought by a friend. After that, we simply remember how to go. Today I asked for a namecard. Because I think it really deserves a recommendation.

If you know me, you will know I dont really take fast food or hawker food or eat at places without aircon because I'm such a b*......no lah.......really....it's just because I'm one who avoids the heat at all cost. And also, I cant take the same food 2 days in a row. This, I have to say, is one of the exceptions where I can eat for 2 days in a row and willingly sit in a non air-conditioned place for it.

The specialty: Cod fish Steamboat

Remember to order 鱼肉炉(鳕鱼), so that it doest come with bones.

We usually order the small size one(S$25) which is pretty sufficient for 2 to 3 pax(if you're ordering other dishes as well)

Might have a few bones sometimes but kinda seldom.

Free refill too. I can drink the whole steamboat of broth, absolutely delicious!! Very 鲜甜!

Sometimes, the 1st helping of the broth might not be very flavourful so might need to wait awhile for the broth to boil so that it has more flavour. But usually they're pretty good for the 1st helping.

Prawn Omelette(S$8)

Ample fresh prawns and I like that it's not oily

Stir-fried Kai lan(with garlic)(S$8)

Much prefer this to it's Sambal Kangkong

Note: My recommendations will be the above which are the usual dishes we order. Very sufficient for 2 people, especially when I sometimes skip the rice because of the carbs. I feel the 排骨王 is not bad too. Sambal Kangkong is only OK. I dont like their Chilli Lala, I had nicer ones elsewhere. We tried some other dishes too but they're pretty forgettable. Anyway, their specialty is the Codfish steamboat so go with it will definitely not go wrong. =)

It's located at 2 Phoenix Road, near to Phoenix LRT, atop a "hill".

It's the very last shop along the row the shophouses.

If you hear a friendly, loud, booming voice issuing greetings at you, no doubt, he's the boss. A very robust and funny uncle. Sometimes we are disappointed that it's closed when we purposely make the trip down. It closes on some alternate Tuesdays if I'm not wrong. Anyway, if you're purposely making the trip down especially if you dont stay near, you can drop a call.

I've accumulated quite many foodie pictures and maybe it's time to slowly blog them one by one. =/

Movie Reviews: Safe Haven / Hotel Deluxe

Movie title: Safe Haven

Ratings: 4/5

Comments: A very sweet romance, punctuated with funny parts, some twists and mystery thrills along the way. You'll definitely enjoy flick if you're a sucker for love and romance. With the gorgeous pair, Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough, it's hard not to smile at the lovely and sweet couple. But I told dearie, "This movie had the right cast, for IF the exact plot has been filmed by say...Will Ferrel(Blades of fury) and Famke Janssen(starring the Witch in Hansel & Gretel)(I dont mean to be mean but really....)...the movie will be a major failure. Dearie thought for awhile...and said, "You are right."

You simply need gorgeous cast for a rather pretty-pure romantic flick.
WAH, just did a google on them and then realized with Josh 41 years old and Julianne 25 years old, they're actually 17years apart. But again, how many 41 year old's can look like that...*wry*....Josh kinda reminds me of the angmo version of 郭品超. They're pretty similar in built too, Josh is 1.92m while Dylan is 1.87m. Giants. (=.=)'''''' Hmmm.........And just got to know Julianne is a super talented young lady who won loads of championships in professional dancing as well as having good vocals. I like her. =) You just cant stop loving her with her super sweet face and wonderful talents. How can someone be so perfect??

Movie Title: Hotel Deluxe

Ratings: 2.5/5

Comments: Dont have any expectations at all and was indeed not surprised. There's hardly any plot....it's not really funny and since the only essential element for even a lame flick is missing...........it's hardly an enjoyment. Watched this days ago but forgotten to blog a review of it...in any case...it's not important. 

Doggy drowned because of negligence...

So sad....=( Doggy drowned because of negligence.....Please boycott K9 Kulture, a doggy day care centre at Turf City Bukit Timah.




ATTENTION ALL DOG OWNERS!!! PLEASE SHARE...

We suffered the loss of Kimi, our 4-year old Cairns Terrier in September 2012 while she was being cared for at K9 Kulture, a doggy day care centre located at Turf City Bukit Timah that allows dogs to play with other dogs and teaches them how to swim. On 15 September 2012, Kimi drowned as a result of negligence by the centre. 

After reviewing the CCTV footage, we learned that on the day, there was only one trainer who was caring for a number of dogs, both swimmers and non-swimmers around the deep swimming pool, with none of them, including Kimi, wearing a life jacket. To make matters worse, that one trainer left the pool for a few minutes, leaving the dogs swimming in the pool unsupervised. Kimi was not a swimmer and drowned, with the staff only realising this minutes later.

No CPR was administered when Kimi was pulled out of the pool, even though K9 had claimed that its staff were trained to do so. Needless to say, we were gravely upset with the way K9 handled the matter, from the time they informed us about Kimi's drowning to their subsequent empty promises to appease us.

We filed a police report and the case was turned over to the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) and we learned, very alarmingly, that there isn't a government agency responsible or authorized to review the operations of K9 Kulture or other similar centres in Singapore. AVA informed us that they were unable to take any action against K9 but had acknowledged that it was a serious case of negligence. We also learned that as a result of not having a regulation body for such business entities, anyone could open an animal day care centre in Singapore and not have to work within any guidelines or service standards.

Please help us to spread the word and create awareness amongst other pet and dog owners. Hopefully, the appropriate authorities will take interest in the matter.

Unfortunately for us, we have already lost Kimi.

A very touching confession

My hubby read my blog and especially after the last entry, his expression was c l a s s i c!

He was like howling with that indescribable expression that he wishes very much to strangle me alive but yet loves me too much to do it.

"Awwwww~~~ Wah lau eh!!! With my pictures, left right center plastered in your entry, you made me out like a wanted criminal like that!!"

Muahahahahahaha. I laughed for a very very very long time. Kekeke.

"Remove lah!! Angry liao hor!!", he said with a sulky face.

Na na ni bu bu~ =PPPPPPPPPPPP

Nahz, I know he acted angry only lah, I know him too well.

Indeed, he followed by, "Put my carplate number la~ Put our address too~ You forgot to put I'm 70kg lah!! Put la~ Putttttttttt~~~~~~~."

Wahahahahahaha!!!


Anyway, too many sad stories around, here's a sweet and touching one; a friend on facebook shared it;

Gay SG Confessions · 1,294 like this

Wednesday at 11:30pm · 

• The last time I held his face, there were wrinkles. I could put my fingers in the furrows and stroke them. They were soft; not rough the way you’d expect an old person to be.
  
  We met many decades ago in a public toilet in Golden Mile Complex. We didn't have Jack’d or Grindr then, but we were trained in recognizing meaningful glances. He gave me one of those and I reciprocated. We got off on each other in the last cubicle of the second level male toilet. The next week, we made a point to return to the same spot at the same time. This carried on for several weeks until one day when all lust on my part, for some reason, dropped. Instead, that week, I asked him out for coffee. He was a little disappointed that there wasn’t going to be any clandestine hanky-pankying but he agreed to meet me outside. It was a date.
  
  However, unlike what you would expect, it wasn’t a fairy tale romance. We met at Singapore’s first McDonald’s. Our first proper conversation only revealed what a gulf there was between us. I was 30 and happy working as a mechanic in a garage. I only had a primary 6 education. He was freshly out of NS, going on to Columbia to pursue a degree in philosophy - full of promise. He spoke perfectly in both Mandarin and English. In my fluster, I switched rapidly between both not knowing which to rely on because both were equally atrocious. I lived in a 3-room flat in Jurong and he lived in a bungalow along Nassim. Our conversation was mostly awkward. I couldn’t understand him. So, we kept to topics that were easy for me to answer. There really wasn’t anything special that held us together. The only reason we continued meeting after that was because we didn't have any other gay friends apart from each other.
  
  As they say, love can be cultivated. So it was over the months of meeting that I began to have a romantic affection for him. Our meetings were longer than the first but it was mostly him speaking. He would wax lyrical about philosophy, politics and life in general. At least, I thought that was what he was talking about. I would listen and nod. I think he believed that as the days went by, I slowly understood him and his more intelligent modes of expression. I didn’t. I was just happy to hear his voice and look at him. One day, eventually, I told him I liked him. As it turns out, he had grown fond of me too. It really was as simple as that. I couldn't see him off because his parents wouldn’t believe their son could have an uneducated friend like me. So I stayed home that day and cried in the shower.
  
  The long distance was very difficult. Phone calls were infrequent. He didn't want to raise the suspicions of his parents and I couldn't afford to call. So, we wrote and we wrote often. In his letters, he wrote like he would when he spoke. I couldn’t understand a lot of it – I only made out some words and phrases – ‘I’m fine, happy,’ and ‘I miss you.’ At that point, that was enough for me. I wondered if he understood me and my handwriting.
  
  The long distance, as I said, was difficult. There were many affairs which I had and couldn't tell him about; not because I didn’t want to but because I didn’t know how to. In what medium, what context, what language? He had his too. It was only when he returned that summer that we confessed everything to each other. The only difference was, I cried when I told it. I felt immensely guilty. He didn’t. He had no problem separating sex and love. I couldn’t understand. At first, I hated him for it. I thought he had no morals. I yelled and punched the walls of my void deck with my fists. I could feel the air shake. It was our first real fight. Eventually, he spoke. Eventually, he made me understand. Eventually, I learnt to forgive him and to forgive myself.
  
  We continued writing over the next couple of years. My same awkward expressions; his more exalted ones. Summer was the only time I looked forward to. One day, I decided to pack up and leave. What harm could there be? My parents left when I was young. I had no siblings. I was raised by my grandmother. She passed away when I turned 21 and I sold the apartment and rented. I had had always been alone. I had nothing to lose. When I turned up, it was late. I knocked and he opened the door. What surprised me was the lack of surprise on his part. On the table, I saw dinner made for two.
  
  I looked at him and he said, ‘it’s yours.’
  "How?"
  "I don’t know. I just knew."
  
  That as they say, was that. Many years after I’d still tease him about having hidden a boy in the closet and letting the boy out at some point. Of course, the story didn’t end there. I’m 64 now and between now and then, much had happened. I could tell you about all of our fights, the silly, which vegetable or meat to buy, where to have dinner, where to put the washing machine; and the not-so-silly, when he wanted to triangulate this relationship with another young man (whom I suspected was out for his money); how his parents found out about us, disowned him, returned to him; how he had spent many nights reading me the news and novels he liked and teaching me how to write (which is why I am able to tell you this story now); how we adopted two lovely children.
  
  He is gone now. A brain tumour grew and ate him up; took him away from me. I miss him very much but my weekends are not lonely. My children are grown up. One just graduated from his alma mater and the other is entering this fall. Both major in philosophy, just like their father. They spend their weekends with me. They’re good kids.
  
  I didn’t have a family growing up but I’m very fortunate to have one now.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  This is a super touching story....for 2 persons to work through all differences and hurdles like family backgrounds, education levels, long distance, age difference(maybe 10years apart?), social and peer pressure....I cant even imagine. Just think of them and you'll realize the problems you have/had are so tiny! Make it work! It's possible! I'm totally okay with gay or les or bi friends. Actually I merely feel it's just that the souls are in the wrong bodies. *shrugs* Depends on how you look at it. The only major problem(social pressure aside) is that you cant bear your own kids with the one you love; but oh well, you can always adopt. =)

  
  

  Although I'm okay with les friends, hmm......there were times when I feel....friendship with them are just not the same as with other girls. I'm mean I totally respect their sexual orientation but when I declared that I'm obviously a straight, it kinda gets tacky when they looked at you with love or lust or whatever you called it.

  
  

  Last time I used to have a friend who is a butch. And we went out clubbing together with another 2 girls. Somehow she got kinda high on booze and began to touch me and another girl friend. It's very weird lah. It's like her hands wandered around the waist and began to rub the back in a up-and-down motion. Which is veryyyyyyyyyyyy disturbing. (=.=)''''''''' Then I began to siam. Then she followed. Eventually I just blurted out for her to stop. She did apologized the next day but somehow, distanced grew. 

  
  

  I used to have a female ex-colleague who confessed to me before when I was single. She will do things like putting gifts for me in my pigeon hole or coming to find me after our work ends and stuff like that. And the way she looked at me, the way she always had to whisper in my ear instead of just talking normally simply drove me nuts!! I rejected her time to time again but she just couldnt get it. It comes to a point where I have to avoid her calls/messages and stuff and I felt pretty bad about it. But really no choice. 

  
  

  It's not that we, or rather I, cant accept les friends. I can! Provided I'm not the target lor. Other than that, I'm totally okay~ =)

  
  

  Let's hope no men(actually I meant my hubby) will ever made me so disappointed in guys that I become les. Wahahahaha. 

  
  

  
  

  
  

Alvin, Yuki and Zoeraymond.....A match made in heaven? So is thunder and lightning.

This few days hor.........also dont know what happened....I just got to hear many shattering love stories and really, even though all these got nothing to do with me, I just feel saddened by them. Just recently, I heard the sad story and just yesterday, through some facebook shares/links and stuff, I got to read some news about Alvin Yang, Yuki Ng and Zoe Raymond. And I suddenly remembered Lyn mentioned this to me before last year but I did not press for more nor go google about it. Hmm........I never heard of Alvin and Yuki but did heard of Zoe Raymond before. Lin liased with her for an advertorial before and from the exchanges Lin told me she had with Zoe, she is really not a lady of character. And now simply by chance, I got to know about it and seriously this got to be super heartbreaking for Yuki. For an engagement to be broken off just 2 months before the wedding with all the wedding invites already out, especially when the cause is because of a 3rd party, really, I think if it's me, I will have suicidal thoughts too...

美女?? Are you seriously kidding me????

Yes, the picture looks nice. Because no face.

I give you the fcuk face now.

Pretty? Really?

Yuki looks 10times prettier and sweeter.

Yes I can be biased whatsoever with the choice of pics, but the issue here is not to do with LOOKS. EVEN if Zoe is prettier, that doesnt mean she got the right to behave the way she did.

Oh yes, how can we forget the 男猪角? I sincerely wish he gets bald sooner than it ever will be. =)

If you're interested, this link has all the links to the full story...YThis happened back in 2012. Yuki actually blogged about the whole incident(separated into 3 episodes, Chinese one is more detailed) and even started a facebook page as well to reveal the flow of the whole drama....of course the adulterous pair earned a great deal of contempt and insults, which I fully feel they deserved. Really...if you read through the whole story, the pair were not innocent as it looked. I mean, frankly speaking, love has no right or wrong and when love disappears and when you're not technically bounded by a marriage cert(yet. They're only fiance and fiancee)...it's hard to draw the line...when one is supposed to love his fiance but yet falls in love with another. BUT wait till you read the whole story, you'll know how heartless is Alvin and how malicious, cunning and manipulative Zoe is. She even slapped Yuki's sister who was pregnant during the confrontation. Heard they filed a lawsuit. They're not the innocent couple who fell in love by chance, hated the fate for setting them up and then feeling sorry for Yuki because they let her down. No, they're nothing of the sort. They're a pair of very selfish, heartless beings. FYI, Alvin cheated on his fiancee while Zoe also cheated on her boyfriend. Perfect match right, both of them. Throw Singaporeans' face! (Yuki is from Malaysia) Something is very very wrong with this Zoe. She obviously enjoys the kick of breaking couples up and snatching other people's boyfriends/fiances/husbands. Why?? To feel superior?? To feel attractive?? She's totally sick!! Apparently, it's not the first time too.

Frankly speaking, I never feel she's pretty and much less now after I know what kind of person she is. 17years old already can move into a guy's house and break up people's 9years relationship?? Wah lau 17 years old I'm still an innocent virgin who dont know how to make up lor. What kind of guys will like her? Her recent facebook page showcased 3 bouquets of flowers during Valentines which are either from her admirers or else she sent them herself. Are guys really that superficial? I mean I also dont understand how to use the word "superficial" when I dont even find her attractive. Maybe I should say, are guys really that attracted to initiative girls full of passion, writes lovey-dovey love letters and good at seducing with bed antics etc and such?? Alvin used 10 condoms with Zoe in less than a month(revealed by Yuki) so I can only assume they have great chemistry in bed. Is that kick in bed so important that a man will leave a fiancee or wife whom he supposedly love for years? Especially with a younger female than your girlfriend/wife.

Although all this has no business to do with me, I just wish to say my own thoughts on my own blog, not that I feel anyone did anything wrong or anything right. I'm not trying to judge but what I dont understand is why Yuki still want Alvin back despite already knowing that he cheated. I dont feel the need to meet Zoe at all and to ask that question, "是不是你主动先勾引Alvin?" and things like that. Does it matter........it takes both hands to clap..sorry but that's the truth. Zoe might be a b* but Alvin is 10times more incorrigible. He didnt even care when Yuki committed suicide many times.

Sigh......anyway........all these happened last year......and from Yuki's blog and facebook page...I think she gathered herself together....though I believed she hasnt completely moved on or recovered from the hurt. I really hope she can move on and regain confidence in herself. Hope she can find a man who truly treasures her for who she is.

It really chills my heart to know a guy's heart can simply change in days... A friend once told me, 男人要变，一天就可以了。Oh yes how true. I also came across another more tragic Sg story where a husband call Gerald had an affair with his colleague Rowena, who was also married, during their Citibank 3weeks Geneva's training trip, and forsaked her then-pregnant wife Janice. So so so sad!! You telling me true love blossoms in 3weeks? That is lust, not love. Sigh........the story was also revealed in Janice's blog...it's not the original blog(locked) but details and pictures were there. I believed the person who started the blog just wanna see justice that the adulterous pair gained "recognition". Which I really dont mind. Imagine you dont know this couple and thought they're great people. Who knows they're such selfish beings? I swear I will kick the bloody asshole if I ever see him in Sg. Janice's picture is mosaic-ed to protect her. The picture on the right is Rowena. Heard both are in Barclays now.

This happened in 2006....Janice should have a daughter of around 6-7 years old now....Poor child.....to be born in an incomplete family......And like all stories I heard, the victim is always so much prettier. We can now almost conclude guys are not really all in for looks....... hmm......I still believe it's sexual attraction and chemistry. Heard few stories around me also like that.

Sigh......will my hubby treat me like this also? =(

So really, if anyone of you saw him behaving intimately with anyone else other than me, please kindly inform me!! There will be a cash reward of $10,000!! Baht, I mean. Lol. I'm kidding but really, I will be super thankful and appreciative!! Here's my email, fionlim89(at)gmail.com. Oh yes I'm serious. Who knows what will happen? I dont trust him? Of course I do!! But again, anything is possible whattttttt. =P Eh but of course if you really want to inform me then please provides pictures/videos la.....otherwise say liao equal never say. And please dont spam me hor. Thanks! =)

Here are his left, right and full frontal views. LOL!!!

Eh he's much fairer in real person and around 1.8m in height. 

Oh and dont bother asking him who's the missing guy and girl in question because he dont know. I knew he cant keep secrets and easily blurt out things he shouldnt so I never tell him. =P

That's probably why I feel kinda miserable now. You know it's like you need to keep a secret. A dirty one somemore.

Singapore's so small. It's definitely a super stupid move to cheat, much less with a colleague.


Actually really..........someone should really set up a blog to showcase people who cheat, together with the 小三's and name etc. Maybe less people will dare to cheat in future! Heehee!! Wonderful idea isnt it? =D Wahahaha =P

Then after meeting my colleague, I left to meet Iv, Cel etc for drinks, in name of celebrating Steph's birthday. Actually it doesnt really felt like a celebration because all were gambling money and drinking. ZzzzZzz. We stayed till pretty late where finally the pub closed at 3+am. Eventually we all split into different cars to be on our way home and guess what, we bumped into each other again at some kiosks at Bt timah road when we needed to pump petrol. And Cel said to me and Fm, "Enjoy" with a twinkle in the eyes. (=.=)''''''''''' 3plus AM, ask us to "enjoy". Unless I'm an idiot, I couldnt have misunderstood her meanings. Really, I told Fm my reputation is being torn into shreds already, part of it contributed by my very dear Cel. He laughed so heartily that I really feel he's enjoying it. Tmd....of course he's a single guy, he dont mind. But I do!!! =( In fact, it's not the first time such gossips follow me around especially I have guy FRIENDS who are very nice to send me home. I also have a friend/acquaintance who asked me every single time whether the guy beside me is my boyfriend. I said umpteen times that I'm married and I dont have any boyfriends! And he was like, "So what?? So many people have husbands and still comes out to play." *Breathe deeply* Can kindly dont assume anything of me just because of what you practice or preach. And it's not as if I went out drinking alone with a guy friend. We are all in groups.

Sometimes, some friends around me simply have different beliefs etc. I mean, of course we are all different in our own ways and brought up differently. But really, during the BKK trip, we were saying like "Oh who and who is single hor, who else is single? Maybe can patch them up or introduce them my single friends", things like that. You guys know I love matchmaking. =) So 1 colleague mentioned, "Oh that who lor, he's single". Then I said, "No lah, he got girlfriend liao." Then another colleague added, "Girlfriend ONLY mah. Still can introduce one. Can always break off. Engaged or married ones then cannot."

I was like, "Wah!" (=.=)''''''''''' Again, I never thought she has this kind of perspective. Then I realized, I really dont understand my colleagues. Which of course, not surprising since we didnt really share alot of stuff off-work. Hmm.....of course I know you still have the right to change your mind/choice before you sign on the ROM cert, but to me, if I'm single that is, guys who are attached are strictly off limits. That is, I wont let anything go past the friendship stage. But apparently, not all people think like me. Hmmm.........am I a dinosaur?

I remembered I once liked a guy and we progressed really quickly but was quickly shattered when I realized  he has a girlfriend of more than a year. By then, my feelings already ran deep and it was hard to broke off immediately. Then again, I never thought of replacing the girlfriend nor do things like that Zoe. I know I'm so so so in the wrong. I tried very hard to broke off even though he wished me to stay. Like a 小三 kinda thing. Seriously, who does he think he is? *Rolls eyes* It was tough at first but it got easier. Nobody is indispensable one lah. Just takes time. And new people. Hee. =) I have to thank my first boyfriend of 3 years though. If he didnt break my heart so thoroughly when I was 21, I wouldnt be so tough after that.

Kinda reminded me of the song, 多得他(cantonese version of Super Woman). Sammi's version. =)

曲：Babyface/L.A. Reid/D. Simmons　詞：林夕

當初初給他的雙手抱我那一瞬
曾軟軟笑笑但不知所措卻竟相信
在世界我最軟弱
所以要他相擁
就讓我那懶懶身軀躲進臂彎之中

無論現實或是造夢
都給他每秒操縱
從來沒發覺
他的呼吸催促我變得多蠢
誤信了我弱質纖纖
隨便也感動
並未知道我也可以完全麻木放縱

* 多得他給我勇氣
真的要多得他
去使我懂得
每一個故事結尾
無非別離
總是別離
失去他先知
我也可不需要那臂彎不哭也不生氣

我最初天天只等他將體溫軀去我寒意
還承認我太怕冷要靠愛侶輸出暖意
誰料到今天只得一個仍然可以生活
若是感到四處太冷漠
穿上我的冬衣

我最初抓緊他的雙手
從來不愛自由
能讓我永遠地擁有
已覺真的富有
那料這日抹掉眼淚也要靠我的手
即使他已愛我多久
仍會高飛遠走

REPEAT * * *

OH BABY 他的愛意反覆改變我
也許相戀得太多
人亦漸漸不知對錯
天生孤單過路再上路也不清楚
要看得清楚卻不必需要那點戀火
多得他不再愛我

REPEAT * * *

* (OH NO NO NO! THE KIND OF GIRL
THAT YOU CAN LET DOWN
THINKING EVERYTHING IS OK
I'M ONLY HUMAN)

(OH GOOD GOOD GOOD CAUSE
YOU CAN'T
DON'T LET ME
DON'T YOU LET ME DOWN
I'M ONLY HUMAN)

(OH NO OH NO OH THE KIND OF GIRL
THAT YOU CAN LET DOWN
THINKING EVERYTHING IS OK.
I'M ONLY HUMAN. 
OH IF YOU FEEL IT IN YOUR HEART
AND YOU UNDERSTAND
ME STOP RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE
EVERYBODY SING ALONG WITH ME) 

Such meaningful lyrics. =)

After him, I seldom get overly depressed over relationships. With each passing heartbreak, I got more cynical. I kinda dont trust men that much. And no matter how sad I was, I usually(not always) took less than a month to recover and move on. Not because I'm heartless and made of stone, but simply because  我看得开，拿得起，放得下。

Of course, for hubby*touch wood*, it's definitely not the same. I will probably take my own life.

I'm kidding of course sweetie. =)

Even if I have to die, I'll definitely take you with me. =)

LOL. I sound scary isnt it? Kekeke. Though again........I wonder who truly understands me in this world~

*shrugs*

BKK trip in February 2013

Nothing much I can say about our 5d4n BKK trip because it's basically 买东西，吃东西, 买东西，吃东西!!!! Heeheehee We're a super big crowd of like 15 pax? 7 couples and dear Caliz. And I'm a follower, most of the times. Being a direction idiot...I simply followed. Except for the last day, dearie and me walked ourselves at Platinum because I want to buy some stuffs while the others went MBK to get local products and handphone cases.

This trip wasnt very fulfilling actually because I didnt find many clothings I like and the few I bought werent flattering. *SOBS* I'm too fat already. =~( Quite the first time dearie bought more clothings than me, especially when he also tailored 4 shirts. Pretty nice and good quality!! Around 1100baht per shirt with detailings. Al's tailored suit also very nice, only S$160! If I know so cheap, would have encouraged dearie to do it. Ask me in private if you need recommendations. =P

On a happier note, I grabbed like more than 10 clutches(7 are mine. Hee) and 3 bags and 5 pairs of shoes. Wahahahahaha. I also bought some accessories like bangles, necklace and also some stuff from Naraya. Naraya was super duper packed....which I dont really understand why. One stupid B* from China stepped on my foot and it's so painful that I winced pretty loudly. She just "Ohhhhh!!" and then left without apologizing. I just removed my toe nail polish and it's blue black. =(

I also bought some home fragrances, caps, clutches from Chatuchat(CTC). OMG, so damn suffocatingly hot!! Walked all the way where we reached the train station and we fled inside for aircon and yummy crepes! Bought some stuff for Vickki too. Saw super adorable rabbits and puppies but cant buy them home. =(  I was super angry at 1 point in time because there was this little boy from China who lifted one tiny puppy shih tzu and then simply threw it down into the playpen after he lost interest. I can feel my anger rising and it finally erupted when he used both hands to press down with force on another puppy's stomach. I then pulled his hands away and exclaimed in English(forgot to speak Chinese), "How can you do that??? Pressing his stomach like that, it will hurt him when he's still a baby!!" And the asshole's mother still got the cheek to ask me, "不可以吗??"  I said, "当然lah!! 你想如果有人用力按你的肚子，你会舒服吗??!!" The pair just looked meek. Fcking assholes.......Oh yes....of course they dont feel anything. They EAT them in China mah. Even the dogs owners also bo chup. I just angrily stomped away. Arrghhh.......

Oh I also bought some products from No.7 at Boots located at Central World. I heard it's a pretty good brand somewhere, Jan said so too. Anxious to try it because it's hypo-allergenic which is great for sensitive skin like mine. We also grabbed nice dinners at a restaurant at Siam Square(in the pic, great food) and Tawandang(so-so food, tourist prices).

The first night I had chest pain. #$%^&*(*&^% So I didnt managed to finish shopping for the whole stretch of Siam Square Night market.........BUT.....before the chest pain became unbearable, I did wandered into a pretty kawaii PINK shop call Karmart. It looked like Etude house! It sells all sorts of skincare, cosmetics and stuff like that and most of the products are made in Korea. Grabbed many stuff back too from Cathy Doll...like their CC cream(colour control cream) etc and even got 2 free pink pouches. Keke. Shall do a review of No.7 as well soon if they're good! Dearie also bought 2 pairs of shoes from Platinum. =) Of course we had thai massages too!! Oh manz...I can do it everyday!! If only it's as cheap as in Sg. Haiz.

Then hor, quite unfortunately on the last day...I had stomach upset. It's prettttyyyyy bad as I had to walk super duper slowly because it hurts like HELL. Something like the pain I had for the last BKK food poisoning incident but it's more bearable. Still painful though! We stayed at Budacco which is around 5-10minutes walk from Baiyoke Sky. And I was walking ever so slowly with my hand to my stomach and a staff at Budacco was so worried and concerned.....clearing the sofas and asking me to lie down(because checked out already)...pass me hot towel to put on my stomach......fetching me warm water. Really, it's so heart-warming. Dearie also not as attentive. He was pretty amazed too, and said, "She's like genuinely concerned!" Oh yes....Lol. I felt so bad I'm unable to tip them more than I wish because we're all running low on cash.

Service at Budacco was top-notched and you cant even believe how cheap the rates are. It's around S$60+ per night. Though of course for the price, there is some misses as well. The pictures at the website looked better than the real thing, though the hotel is still relatively new. However, I dont like the fact that the basin is located in the room rather than in the toilet. Very inconvenient. And the floors were not carpeted. Need to manually lock the rooms with keys too. Though that's about it. Bed ok, just no extra pillows. Breakfast is pretty good too though little variety, considering most continental hotel breakfasts suck. One thing, because it's kinda inaccessible, so usually when we cab, we need to drop at Baiyoke Sky and then walked inside as it's kinda located inside an alley. But it's brightly lit and have decent shops along the alley and feels very safe so no worries. If you have a tight budget, you can consider it.

I endured the pain all the way, walking like a snail. Sigh...their airport dont have wheel chair......but once I rested on the plane, I felt much better. And I recovered by the time I reached Sg. So dearie said it's not food poisoning of any sort because I dont have diarrhoea or vomit and I felt better when I dont move. We deduced it's probably some muscle spasms or something? Aiya, dont know lah....but....hopefully it wont happen again. =(

Shopping in bangkok is not as good and cheap as it used to be. Most of the stuff I bought are around 600baht, which is around S$25. $%^&*($%^&*. And you can hardly find nice stuff(clothings) below 400baht(S$15). Though again, I always prefer quality than quantity. In comparison(clothings wise), not alot of difference if compare with Bugis Street. I did bought some very nice dresses from the January BKK trip that costs 800baht each. And this price was because I bought 3 dresses from the same shop. ZzzZz. Like these dresses, my clutches and shoes are the best buys this time round as all these costs more than S$50 in Sg. But sadly, this time when I went back to the shop, they dont have new dresses. And all these BKK sellers are really having more attitude already, they seldom let you bargain for more than 50baht and dont dream about them calling after you when you start to leave. They will just continue to do their stuff. Lol. I'll say 4 days is enough for a bangkok trip now, rather than the 6days I preferred last year.

Still, we had fun!! We're too big a group already so mostly we split into small groups for more efficient shopping! Special thanks to Lyn and Jan who were wonderful shopping kakkis...Caliz and Angi and the others too and of course most of all...dearie...who had to carry my shopping bags due to my chest pains and stomachache....I'm such a pain in the a**. Sorry darling.... =P