Poor Mambo!

Mambo!

Today, Darling & my father-in-law sent our dog, Mambo, for an operation. Poor Mambo has been bleeding non-stop (don't worry, it's not haemorrhage) since few months ago. She's an old dog and we wonder if she'll be able to pull through.

Mambo in bandage & restless

She's a bull terrier and very playful. Whenever I'm home and open the gate, she'd sometimes wander out of the house and come to me. She'd lick or lean against my legs, as if telling you that she misses you.

She used to have a spacious yard to run around but since Darling has shifted into an apartment, Mambo has much lesser area to run about. She loves playing with you and tho she looks huge, she doesn't bite. Oh, I forgot to mention she's very greedy too! She loves to eat and would bark when you're cutting fruit or when she knows you're about to eat something delicious... because she wants a bite too!

Mambo with her favourite toy - tennis ball!

Christmas Hamper

Look at the hamper I helped my Darling to wrap for his cell's Christmas gift exchange.

Is it pro enough? Any orders for Chinese New Year hampers?? ;p

Counting Down to Christmas 2007

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
Jingle all the Way...
Silent Night, Holy Night...
Angels We Have Heard on High,
Sweetly Singing o'er the Plains...

Ah, Christmas carols!!! I love to sing Christmas carols, what about you? It adds on and brings up the Christmasy mood, don't you agree? However, these days, Christmas has more or less become a season of squeezing thru the crowd, buying and wrapping presents... Always a chore, cracking head over what to get for this friend, that family member, for this colleague @ Christmas party gift exchange... So, what does Christmas mean to you? For me, it's not just a time to enjoy the company of friends and family, it's also a time to thank God for what He has done for me this year, and also more than 2000 years ago. The greatest gift of Christmas is Jesus Christ :)

Here's a jingle I just (as in just now!) concocted! ;) Sing along!!


Dashing thru' the crowd,
To get the best discount,
Squeezing in and out,
Grabbing the last stocks.

Scanning thru' the crowd,
To find the shortest queue,
And once I spot it, I'll go
No one can stop me! Hey!

Jingle Bells, Ding Dong Bells,
Pushing all the way.
Oh, no fun it is to be,
In the crowded Orchard Road! Hey!

Jingle Bells, Ding Dong Bells,
Squeezing all the way.
Oh, no fun it is to be,
In the crowded MRT!

More Photos

View of Seoul City @ N Seoul Tower Snow-covered Street & Cars
Lunch @ Dongdaemun Doota Foodcourt... Seafood Curry Rice with Pork Cutlet..Extremely yummy!!

Korean BBQ

Hols Cont'd

Day 3: We went to Everland, an amusement park. We took roller coaster rides and that was exciting! Fun! After that we went on our way to the first ski resort.... we rented our ski outfit for the next day - Skiing!!

Day 4: Early in the morning we went to the ski mountain. It was fun trying to fit into our ski boots and juggling with our ski equipment. Not light, ok! We had so much fun skiing... (Shh... I think I'm better at that! Ha!) Look at the snow mountain! After skiing we travelled to Mt Sorak (second ski resort). That evening, we went to Sorak Waterpia. Hot spring! It was freezing cold and we soak in different hot springs that were located outdoors! So embarrassing to hear a whole batch of us screaming as we rushed out of the building into the cold air clad only in our swimsuit! However, as we got used to the cold air and hot bath, we learnt to walk in the cold air from hot spring to hot spring, just like the locals! It was a totally unique experience, soaking in hot spring in winter cold weather!

Day 5: Supposed to ride on the cable car up Mt Sorak but due to strong winds, the cable cars weren't in operation. Too bad :( We continued on our journey, back into Seoul city. We had kimchi-making session and took photos dressed in hanbok (traditional Korean costume). T

That evening, we had ginseng chicken soup for dinner and went for Nanta show. The Nanta performers are all trained chefs. They used pots and pans, anything found in the kitchen as their performance instruments. So creative! The performance was interactive too! We truly enjoyed the show. We also happened to witness a street demonstration that night, as this is election period for Korea. In fact, it's today!

Day 6: We took photos outside the Presidential House and visited shops where ginseng and cordyceps were sold. Those are Korean products. All priced in USD! Then we checked into Lotte World Hotel. And of course, we went to the Lotte World Adventure Park! All the rides had long, long Q! We only managed to take 2 rides :( That was our last night in Seoul and we desparately wanted to see snow... we could only pray... And guess what?! God answered our prayers and we saw snow as we walked back to our hotel late at night! Wow!! At first, I thought soneone was cleaning windows so late at night... then Darling said "it's not soap foam..it's snowing!" We looked so silly sitting at the sidewalk, enjoying the snow while others were rushing home, avoiding the snow! Hahahaha!

Day 7: Time to go home.... But, not without what most Singaporeans like - shopping! We went for a shopping spree @ Dongdaemun. I bought a dress, a jacket, a sweater, a pair of winter boots and two bags!! So happy!

We had so much fun in Korea cos we tried a lot of different things there. The tour guides were great and the tour group was a good batch of people to travel with.

Thank you, Darling for bringing me to Korea and for having so much fun!! :D

Back from Holiday!

The holiday ended so soon! Darling & I had so much fun in Korea! It was a trip that was worth spending on. Each experience was fantastic and several were a first for us!

There's so much to write about... I'll try.

Day 1: We reached Korea and were received by our local tour guides. We were a big group, so they put us into Bus A & Bus B. Darling didn't quite like the look of our guide - didn't seem friendly. We went for a palace tour. Our guide told us a lot about Korean history and culture. He added a hint of humor here and there and we slowly got to know our guide better. He wasn't as bad as he looked. Over the next few days of interaction, we would gradually grow to like him. Next, we went to a fashion street - Women's Street. Initially I thought I'd get to buy some stuff here. It turned out that not many things caught my eye... went back empty handed! That same evening, we flew to Jeju Island - Honeymooners' Paradise.

Fashion Street

Grilled Meat

Day 2: We went round Jeju Island. We had abalone porridge for breakfast...



Can you spot the abalone in the bowl of porridge?







That day, we went sight-seeing around the island. Was fun...but the moment I had been waiting for was finally here! Teddy Bear Museum!

Look at all the cute little bears on display! Couldn't buy a regular size one... I bought a small bear instead ;-D

Okay, will pause here for today... I'll continue in the next post....

Finally!!!

Yeah, at last it's 8 Dec! Tonight Darling & I will be flying off to Korea for our 2nd holiday together! So exciting!

The last time Darling checked, it's -5 degrees celsius! Cold, Cold, Cold! Freezing, I'd say! Though we've packed quite a substantial amount of winter wear and Darling said as long as we're prepared, we won't be afraid of the cold, or rather, we won't be freezing. Yet, I'm pretty apprehensive... mainly cos I've never been to anywhere that's this cold!! The coldest I've ever experienced was when I went to China this March. Well, true that as long as I'm wearing / layering the right clothes, I shouldn't be feeling cold. Well, I hope I'll have fun despite the cold weather.

I'm thinking of the ginseng chicken soup, the scenic view, the submarine tour, horseriding, snow mountain and the shopping!! Yeah!

Seoul, here we come!!

It's been a Year!

It's been a year since I started blogging! Wow, I've somehow sustained this blog...Hahaha. It all began when I learnt that a much older friend had started blogging.

"What is it all about blogging? If my older friend can do it, so can I!"

So, I created my own blog and here it is! It's been fun blogging, though knowing what to write does not come easily to me. Life seems kind of mundane to have much to write about. Nevertheless, it's still a good way to stay connected, especially if you have friends and family who you don't meet often.

So, blog and connect!

Christmas Concert

Last night, my Darling and I went to a Christmas concert - A Crazy Christmas presented by Dream Academy Playhouse. We were totally mesmerised by the star-studded cast. There were 11 of them! Familiar theatre people like Hossan Leong, Selena Tan, Emma Yong, Pam Oei, just to name a few. They belted out familiar Christmas songs and other songs that were somewhat akin to anything that got to do with Christmas. The concert was extremely entertaining and hilarious! We saw the multi talents that some of them possessed. They could sing, dance and play musical instruments! It was really impressive!

We especially liked the segment by Sebastian Tan and Selena Tan. We never knew one could sing a carol with a Hokkien accent, just like the Seventh Month getai(complete with the melody played in Hokkien song style), until we heard Sebastian Tan! Hahaha! We even had the chance to join in the singing! And Selena Tan cleverly weaved in familiar Broadway music/songs as she told the story of the birth of Jesus! Brilliant!!

Thumbs up!!!

The concert plays till this Sun. Go for it if you can! Remember to bring your laughing beans with you...Have a great laugh! :D

Our Song!

This was THE song that Darling was searching patiently for, for our wedding. Though I had been suggesting and choosing other songs, he didn't seem totally in with whatever I was doing at that time. Finally, we decided on an instrumental piece (from a cartoon & I love it). We even planned the timing and all. Guess what, my Darling actually had not given up looking for THE song!! He heard this song over the radio some time back and he knew in his spirit that this was the song he wanted, as he would see me walking down the aisle cos the lyrics say it all... (so romantic!) Anyway, we even went to a couple of music stores (on the day of our wedding rehearsal!) to search for the album. At last, to my Darling's delight, we found it! Hahaha... we had to hear the song at the church that evening during rehearsal and plan the timing of the march-in! But it was all worthwhile ;)

Thank you, Darling & I love U!

Listen to the words... Enjoy...

Christmas is Coming!

Last Tuesday, Darling took leave so that we could run errands. We went to take the flu vaccine injection. I was the braver one ;) I was the first one... (Ha!)

After Darling had his haircut, we went to Concourse to get some new Christmas decorations. This year, we decided to do a gold & orange theme. We bought lots of stuff cos the tree at home is 7 feet tall! Darling felt a sense of achievement. Is it beautiful?

Holidays!!

Yeah!
Six days...
Counting down to
Holidaying with my Darling
Looking forward to second honeymoon
Winter in Seoul and Jeju Island

Thank God It's Friday!

Finally, the weekend is here! Here are some jokes to lighten up your spirit! Have a break, read a joke.... [Sorry no kit-kat ;p]

Joke 1
Girl: Do you love me?
Boy: Yes Dear
Girl: Would you die for me?
Boy: No, mine is undying love

Joke 2
Man: How old is your father?
Boy: As old as me
Man: How can that be?
Boy: He became a father only when I was born

Joke 3
A mother and son were doing dishes while the father and daughter were watching TV in the living room. Suddenly, there was a loud crash ofbreaking plates, then complete silence. The daughter turned to look at her father.
Daughter: It's mummy!
Father: How do you know?
Daughter: She didn't say anything.

TLC (TenderLoving Care) Dinner

Last night I cooked dinner for Darling. Had planned what to cook the day before and went marketing with Darling. He wanted corn soup but I didn't know how to cook that! :(

Asked around and, well, it's not that tough to cook corn soup, so decided to change the menu. Hmm, I think I'm quite creative eh? (Hahahaha!)


I prepared three dishes and a soup.
Not bad, eh? Darling loved the toufu dish I made :) :) I'll try cooking again... (Hee!)

One Night Stay @ Ritz Carlton!

Darling and I had a complimentary stay at Ritz Carlton. We decided to utilise it last weekend. The deluxe room was quite spacious, with a big bathroom that has a bathtub, a toilet cubicle and a shower cubicle! That's not all... We had the Kallang View, the expressway and the stage where the National Day Performance was held. It was a spectacular view at night with all the lights of the city!

We were like tourists. Shopping, eating and walking the streets of Singapore. That weekend, we managed to buy most of the stuff we need for the Korea trip. You can imagine us carrying all the shopping bags back to the hotel...exactly like toursits, isn't it?! That night, Darling brought me to Paulaner Brauhaus Brewery for dinner. We had drinks there once and I like the sauerkraut (sour cabbage). So Darling suggested we have dinner there. We ordered the chef platter...wow! It seemed like a reasonable serving, but mind you, it was more than enough for both of us! It consists of few kinds of sauages and roast meats. It was splendid! We downed it all with, of course, their very own freshly brewed beer! Yummy!

Wish we could stay there another day or two....

My Latest Hobby

Many years ago, I attended a knitting class and learnt and knitted my very first top. It's a light blue blouse with sleeves. I still keep it. Now, many years later, I started knitting again! I've always been interested in knitting but had no time to attend class to learn new styles. Also, I didn't learn how to read the patterns and instructions, so I couldn't do it on my own. Now, I've a mother-in-law who loves to knit. I can learn and knit different kinds of stuff!! I'm currently knitting a scarf for myself... to be used when I go Korea! Take a look!

Little India Tour

Today, we had the chance to go on a learning journey to Little India, just like our pupils! It was so fun! We set off in the morning in two buses. We had two accompanying tour guides in each bus. The guides on my bus were Kumar & Mr Singh. We learnt a lot about Singapore history from them. They are good guides who tell history in an interesting and humourous manner. We had great fun!

First, we went to a Sikh Temple. We had to cover our heads and take off our shoes before we enter the temple premises, as a sign of respect. The guides explained the history of the religion as we sat in the prayer hall. Next, we proceeded to Little India. The guides brought us through the streets, explaining about how things come about, history, ancedotes and all. We were indeed enlightened! I've come several times to Little India, roaming the streets but have never known so much about the place. After the short guided tour round Little India Arcade, we were given our worksheet. Oh no! It's something like the amazing race! It was our very own Amazing Trail! We had to look for a certain shop to list the goods sold and the shop name, to find a particular person and ask him for his name, to find and chew betelnut, learn how to make a garland from a shopkeeper, ask people to write in Hindi, Punjabi and Tamil! And few more tasks! It was really interesting going around, asking around and getting help from total strangers (both shopkeepers and customers!) for the answers! The people were kind and helpful. They knew we were playing a game and from school. It was a great way to approach and talk to people.

After the trail, we had lunch - Indian Food (forgot if it's North Indian or South Indian food). I don't really know how to appreciate Indian food, except my favourite prata. They didn't have prata. I had naan and masala thosai with curry instead. It was yummy! Check out the photo below!

After lunch, it was time to announce the winners of the Amazing Trail. My team wasn't confident of winning anything as we didn't get all answers correct, but guess what?! We were the runner-up! Hahahaha... Yeah, I got a prize! Haha!

Then it was time for shopping. I didn't want to shop at Mustafa, so a group of us went back to Tekka Market. I bought a Punjabi suit for S$38.

It's a pretty red-purplish and blue two-tone suit. Take a look! Obviously it's too huge for me! Got to alter lor.

Had fun today and hope we can go for more of this... Maybe a Malayn Heritage Tour soon???

Try Russian Food!

On Wednesday, my friends & I went to a Russian restaurant at Arab Street to celebrate a friend's birthday. I joined them much later, hence only managed to try their desserts. My Darling once brought me to another Russian restaurant (to celebrate Valentine's Day!!) @ Far East (or is it? Can't remember). Couldn't really compare the two since I hadn't tried the main course at the one located at Arab Street. I ordered the pancake with honey and cream, and a potato pie with mushrooms and sour cream. Take a look at the pie below! It was quite yummy, but can't take too much of that as it gets a bit too much (if you know what I mean).

Potato Pie with Mushrooms and Sour Cream

Feasting is Every Singaporean's Fav Pastime!!

This past 2 weeks Darling & I have been feasting with our families!

Two weeks or so ago, we went Night Safari with Mummy & DnA. We enjoyed ourselves very much! It happened to be Halloween week, so there was "scary" tram ride, which obviously wasn't horrid at all! Hmm.. perhaps they had to define "horror" a new way ??.....

Our Fantabulous Safari Dinner!!

I love the chicken wings!!

Look at the jumbo hotdog I had!!

Yummy yummy!!!!

Just last Sat, we had a cousins gathering... guess where we went?? We had a crabby feast, of cos!! It was arranged...erm, two months ago??? Hahaha... we were all so busy people, ya? Waited very long for this gathering! Look at our feast... sigh, couldn't take a picutre of the entire table filled with food!! We had fresh steamed prawns, crabs cooked in four different ways, veg & more!

Hey! That's not the end!! The next day (Sun), my dear bro gave us a sumptuous dinner treat @ Fullerton Hotel! We had International Buffet @ Town Restaurant. The spread wasn't that great at one look, but it was sufficient to make us feel sated. I tried the mushroom soup... but I still prefer the one made by our dear Andy.

(That's a hint, Andy...when can we have your famous mushroom soup and the pancake thingy again???)

After these two great feasting, Darling & I had have enough of food! Haha... Alas, we went for yet another buffet last Thu. It was Darling's dad's birthday celebration. We went to Hanabi, a Japanese restaurant where they serve ala carte buffet. Very much like the one @ Mirama Hotel. The menu is a little different. At Hanabi, they have about 105 dishes on their menu. Worth trying!

Hmm... When will be our next feast?? ;-)

When is Dec Hols Coming??

Yes, I'm looking forward to holidays already! Away from work, commitments, "burdens".... and just to be with my Darling. Oh dear! Do I sound like I'm obsessed with my Darling? Though married, I find myself missing him still... why, oh why?? :-{

Going Korea for Part 2 of our honeymoon....sounds good, eh?? :-] It's gonna be really cold (winter) and looking at the intinerary, it's gonna be real fun! With horseriding, theme parks, submarine ride...and a visit to Teddy Bear Museum!! Yeah! When is Dec coming? Counting down....

Fav Song of the Moment!!

Have you watched Music & Lyrics, featuring Hugh Grant (my fav actor!) and Drew Barrymore? Grant was a song composer who was trying very hard to write a song (to make a comeback) for the popular singer of the time and Barrymore was his temp part-time domestic helper. In a strange way, Barrymore helped him start the first few lines of his new song and he was after her to help complete the song...Together, they completed the song and started their love story too! Well, here's the song! Enjoy!

[Nothing great. Tho simple, it has a cheery & sweet tune to it ;)]

Maintaining Relationships

Today I met a couple of friends for lunch. Had Japanese buffet @ Mirama Hotel. Fantastic! Had all the sashimi I could! Hahahaha....

These two were my colleagues. One is currently in another school, the other 'enjoying' her leave. I'm so glad to have these two friends. It's not easy for me to maintain friendships, I realised over the years. It's always been friends looking for me, asking me out. Guess I'm just too busy living my own life to fork out time to meet friends and keep in touch. I'm not quite a 'good' friend to have, eh?

Heard this from another friend just the past week - "having a meal with people is an intimate thing to do because you build bond thru' having meals together." How true! We have meals with our family and close/loved ones. It's a great way to be in touch, isn't it? I've always enjoyed having lunch with these two friends when we were colleagues. Over the past year, my two friends and I had been building our friendship over lunches. Well, i was driven around and had free lunches most of the time! Of course I enjoyed it! Hahaha... (I did foot the bill, a couple of times ;)

Catching up over lunch today was great! I miss having lunch with them, especially the lady who has become like an elder sister. To think that I was supposed to be her buddy when she first came to school! Hahaha.... Looking forward to having her back in school again.... my lunch kaki, my listening ear, and not forgetting, she's my Darling's advocate! Hahahaha..... (she'd always chide me for being petty and never fail to remind me how patient and understanding, etc my Darling is....) (Yes, sister, I do know ;)

Essence of Life

When I was packing and moving my stuff to my new home, I came across this old notepad which I bought when I first became a teacher. In it, there is this poem I wrote...

Life
Often, we wondered the meaning of life
We searched thru' universe
We looked thru' man
Experienced ups and downs as we journeyed along
Only to realise that the essence of life is living itself

What's Next?

When you're young, people ask "any boyfriend yet?". By the time you have one, the next question is "when are you getting married?". Soon, after you're married, they will ask "when are you going to have a baby?". Oh, don't be mistaken, no one has asked me that question...yet.

Just read Juliet's blog and she was lamenting (initially) how guilty she was when Joy asked why Mummy does not play with her while Daddy does. Well, last week, I was thinking about the "next phase" of marriage - having a baby. That's supposed to be the natural process, the next thing to do, the other aspect to complete a family...isn't it? Or is it?

You see, if I or my Darling has little time for oneself and for each other, how can we afford the time for our little one? Unlike Juliet, I don't mind not having my own space (of course need the personal space now and then), but I do mind not having my Darling's attention and time. So, at this moment, I don't think I'm ready to share my Darling yet...

(Got the hint??)

The Essence of Being Married

These days, I've been thinking about what's the essence of being married. Does it only mean seeing each other daily? Or taking care of each other's needs? Or as like the serious, loving vows we made "to hold for riches or poor, health or sickness"?

Being married is not as romantic compared to while dating. Being married is seeing each other when you awake (oh, bad breath!), living with each other's habits (hey, squeeze the toothpaste like I do!), accepting each other's weaknesses and bearing with each other's nonsense at times and staying in same room, even when you feel like running far away from that beloved person you vow to behold and love "till death do us part".

There's a lot more to be learnt about marriage.... What's your thots about the essence of marriage? Of being married?

Keeping In Touch

Today, during lunch, I decided to browse thru' my cousins' blogs. It's actually a great way to keep in touch with what's going on in each other's lives. We have always been very close, with Da Jie (Juliet) leading us. She started our yearly gathering when... I think I was in Poly. With everyone in tow, (youngest - Ah 9, in pri sch, I think), she would bring us to the Zoo, museum, dinner @ restaurant, etc. We'd make it a point to have an outing every year. Our granny used to be so proud of us, cos we made the efffort to stay close with one another, even though we didnt stay near one another. She was worried that one day when she was gone, we'd all disperse too. Well, it's been almost 6 years since Ah Ma left us. Though nowadays, we don't really have an outing anymore, we still make it a point to meet for dinner, as regularly as we can and also to gather at someone's home now and then. Now, we're the ones organising these makan sessions, not so much of our parents.

Cousins, I truly miss those times when each family prepared a dish and we'd all pack into our vehicles and meet @ a certain beach or park and we'd have a makan session all day long. The adults would chat while we would cycle or roam around! That was such fun! Now, we see our younger generation running around, while the ah yi(s) and jiu jiu(s) playing with them. If only we could be young and carefree again...

Ju, when's our crab session???

Life as a Mrs....

It's 2 weeks since I've become "Mrs Tan". Still adjusting to my new status but getting used to it. Staying together isn't exactly what I thought it would be (tho, i've more or less prepared). Not so much of getting used to the living environment or even with another person...but more of thinking I could see my Darling more now that we're staying under the same roof. Due to our busy schedule, we're more or less like before... just that now I don't have to wait for him to SMS me when he's home, cos I'll be home waiting for him or him waiting for me. I realised that yes, I do miss him even when I get to see him daily.

I was pleased and happy when my Darling dated me last Fri. We went to a Korean restaurant at Square 2, Novena. We ordered a set dinner for 2. Look at the spread we had! Yummy!! The ginseng chicken soup with glutinous rice was fantastic! We had a very full meal! Hahaha! It's reasonably priced, so go for it!

That aside, staying at a new place, having a new lifestyle, etc actually gives me a sense of excitement. It's a good change of environment. Maybe will soon get used to it and become bored? Like how it's like when moved into a new house? Hmm...

I'm officially a MRS!

Wow! How does "Mrs T" sound? Erm...a little strange isn't it? Still getting used to being married. Well, nothing much has changed, in a way. Seeing my Darling every day is what I've been waiting for... Just that now, I'm staying at a different place. A new home. A new family. A new feeling.

Honeymoon at Bali was great! We stayed at Hard Rock Hotel.

It was really beautiful and I love the pool!

4 days was actually pretty short. We reached at night, so there was practically nothing much, except for the nightclubs and such. No night shopping at little shops as we expected from Phuket. The 2nd day we went sightseeing and visiting the different art centres @ Bali. The tour guide said that 100% of Balinese are artists. They are either painters, wood-cravers, stone-cravers, jewellery-makers, and so on. It was kind of nice travelling from village to village and seeing how the landscape and the culture changes.

The food was great, especially dinner at Jimbaran! Imagine Darling and I sitting at the beach, having dinner while watching sunset! There was BBQ fish, calamari, grilled prawn and clams!
For someone who is picky about fish, I actually finished the whole fish! Drooling while thinking about it!

Dinner @ DuLang was great too! The steak that Darling had was cooked just right! Tender and juicy!



And not forgetting the dessert - Grilled Banana with icing sugar and ice-cream!! It was superb!! I miss it! Slurp!

The personnel at Hard Rock were all friendly and efficient. We enjoyed our stay there.
I may not want to visit Bali again but I would want to go back to Hard Rock ;)

It's been a long, long time!

It's been a long, long time since my previous entry. Been busy with getting back to work after almost a month break. Been too relaxed, yet coping with emotional adjustments. Then came all wedding preparation. A week from now, I'll be known as MRS instead of MISS. That sounds weird! I cannot imagine myself being a MRS and married, let alone a wife (& soon, a mother?!?!) I look forward to the days ahead, being able to see my Darling every day and spend my life with him. It's the status that I find difficulty adapting to. Funny, having someone to call you "Mrs T" instead of "Ms T". It sounds so old! I'm only a little girl at heart! Well, I guess it's a life journey that some will need to go thru. Perhaps the next time I blog, it'd be a change in status, lifestyle, environment, and what have you :)

Photos

Buckingham Palace

London Eye

Big Ben

Dutch Clogs

Windmills

Pancake

Unexpected Event

The title of the last entry was 'Unexpected Holiday'. The title for today's entry is 'Unexpected Event'. It was truly unexpected. I lost my Dad last Monday. What a shock! I still couldn't believe that it had happened. We were on holiday, came back and had wedding celebration and before we could finally settle down to 'daily' routine again, I found myself making a huge adjustment in life. Dad simply collapsed out of a sudden at home on Mon morning. I was at work. My VP came to my classroom to break the news. By the time I rushed to the hospital, Dad had passed away. I simply cannot comprehend how a living person can simply be gone, just like that! Life is truly but a breath! Once that breath is last breathed, almost nothing can bring a person back to life again.

Thru' out the whole of last week, images of what Dad would have done in every situation at home, etc came to mind. Dad would be sitting at the dining table when I wake up in the morning. At about 6.50am, Dad would leave home to bring me to school. When I open the door, Dad would be sitting in the living room watching TV. How I miss Dad!

I love my PaPa and I miss calling him 'PaPa' and giving him a hug.

PaPa, I love you!

An Unexpected (Extended) Holiday!

Due to fly off on Tue (3 Jul). Was happy to be on the way home as I missed my Darling a lot.

We arrived early at Cardiff Airport, expecting jam and such due to the high alert state that UK is in now after the various bomb scares and Glasgow Airport bombing. As we waited, the timing of our departure kept changing. In the end, our flight to Amsterdam was delayed as a result of bad weather. We knew we would be late for our connecting flight. I could only pray that that flight would be delayed too. Alas, we did miss the flight back to Singapore and we ended up staying one night at Amsterdam. We had initially wanted to visit that city when we had a stopover on our way to Cardiff. That didn't materialise as time was tight. Well, well, now we did have the chance to have a quick glance of the city!

It was indeed an extended holiday! We managed to visit a windmill park and gotten some souvenirs. It was a good trip on the whole, aside from all those unforseen circumstances.

It'd be quite some time before I have the patience and courage to travel long distance to Europe again (& having to have Western food all the time!).

** Will include photos in the next entry

I Visited Millennium Stadium @ Cardiff!

Yesterday, we went to the Millennium Stadium. That's the home ground for Welsh Rugby. It's a mulit-purpose stadium where various diverse events take place. The staff were preparing the stadium for a Grand Prix this weekend... Also, Rod Steward will be performing there this Saturday night too! What our guide said is true... next time when I see the stadium on TV or watch any games playing at the Stadium, I'll know how it's like in there... and what's more, to know where the players and performers get ready for their show! It was an awesome experience!

This morning, we went to a fruit farm to pluck some berries. There are quite a number of berries in season - strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, just to name a few. We had fun finding the ripen fruit. It had been a shower-cum-sun weather today. As Mum said, whenever we're in the car, the sun comes out, whenever we're out of the car, the rain comes... but it was really fun! We then had lunch at a pub! The locals term the food as 'pub food'. It's simply western food.

Next few days we should be going to Bath and London. Bath is actually a valley and heard it's beautiful. London seems to be a gloomy, cold and dirty place from what I've heard. Well, we shall see ;)