Gosh, it’s almost the 1st of February 2007 and I’m still writing my review of 2006. I apologise to all those who had to listen to strains of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ everyday for the past 3 weeks. Sorry…I was away for about a week and the period before and after a trip are always stressful. I’ve changed the song, so please don’t kill me, ok?

Ok… better wrap this up quickly.

October 2006

I wonder if anyone has ever sit down to count the number of friends they have? Of course, there are friends and there are people you just know.

Why I always look so fat???

I’ve got to know these 3 girls about 4 years because of that one particular Korean actor. You know who lah. Never did I imagine I would be able to make friends via internet. You keep reading horror stories about people you meet via the internet. It took me a lot of courage to go and meet a roomful of strangers that fateful day in March. I was thinking.. what if they turn out to be a bunch of weirdos? Who in their right mind would meet up strangers because of an actor? Hehe! A weirdo like me.Today, not only do we meet up very often, we also took up a stall at a flea market.

Speaking of flea mart.. that was my virgin try selling at a flea mart. I dreamt of all the extra money I would be making that day. But as they say, you think money fall from the sky is it? So easy to make money meh? Sigh, I only managed to sell 2 pieces. Enough to cover the rental but I don’t think I can do this for a livelihood. I’ll probably be down on my knees, begging people to buy from me. But how come got so many flea marts and push carts? How do these people make money???

Green restaurants
Organic/ health/ vegetarian food is gaining popularity, particularly organic food. Even NTUC, the local, everyday supermarket sells them now. And that’s saying something.

Anyway, because of hubby’s vegetarian diet, we are always constantly on the lookout for eating places. The Green Room is an organic, vegetarian cafe (you cannot get any healthier) and is part of the Aramsa -The Garden Spa. It’s the first and so far only spa to be located in a park. Quite a novel idea.

Anyway, we decided to check out the cafe and found the food to be quite good. no, serious. Really. It wasn’t too expensive either, considering that they were serving organic food. And the environment is very pleasant. I think it will be even prettier at night. Not a bad place to have a meal. Valentine’s Day, anyone? Then can take a walk in the park after that. Just remember to bring mosquitoe repellent if you intend to get romantic in the park. Haha!

The Green Room:
Aramsa- The Garden Spa
Bishan Park II
T: 6556 1533

November 2006

Sentosa
It’s been ages since I’ve been to Sentosa. The last time I was there, it was for a camp and I had to help supervise 100 over kids. Hardly the time for relaxing. It’s always amazing how you almost never go to the places that’s near you. But because of work, I went to Sentosa 3 times last year. It’s a record beaker for me.

I don’t think there’s many changes but with the casino (sorry, Intergrated Resort) being built there soon, I’m sure the changes will come. Universal Studios will be there and not Disneyland, thank goodness! There seems to be a few more beach bars… but somehow the whole place still doesn’t have the lazy, carefree feel of Phuket or Langkawii. I did hear that the beach volleyball matches on weekends draw quite a bit of crowd. I don’t know, I’ve never seen one. My weekends are spent trying to clean up the house. Haha!

Anyway, I was helping to organise a dinner event for an overseas company. They wanted a beach venue but wanted it to be a little more formal. The whole event turned out quite well and my client was happy because their clients were happy. Thanks David! And oh… must show you the grand, brand new toilets at Sappahire Hall. This one under lock and key and is only open to the guests attending event at the hall. Must pay extra to use it…Wah!

Arab Street
Arab Street is fascinating. I’ve never really explored the place until I had to because of work. It still has many of the old shops but it is also intersped with a sprinkling of modern, cool shops and restaurants.

And look, a mama store. There aren’t many of these left. I think many of these ‘mamas’ have packed up and went back to India alraedy. I don’t see many of them nowadays. It’s totally amazing how a very small mama stall can have almost everything.

December 2006

10km run
For 2 years running (no pun intended), I participated in the 10km run of the Standard Chartered marathon run. Of course, I didn’t really volunteer lah…hubby signed up for me. I used to run alot in my younger (way younger) days. But nowadays, I much prefer to do a K drama marathon. haha! Anyway, I went slightly more prepared this year- I had 2 practice runs. Haha!. Must say I’m rather satisfied with my result. At least I’m the last. ^^ Yeeew! I took 1 hr 24 minutes to earn the medal.

For those who’ve never participated in this before, I really, strongly urge you to try it out at least once. When you see a sea of people, all getting ready to run…the feeling and the atmosphere is totally intoxicating. Many people walk, so there’s no worry that you’ll be the only one doing so. I heard they had to close the registration early last year due to overwhelming repsonse. So book early if you want to join in.

Neptune Theatre
Neptune Theatre was finally going to shut. It had been around for over 30 years and contrary to popular belief.. it is not well known for the topless dancing but for it’s dim sum. Yet, I think most of us only remembered about the topless dancing part. Haha! I think the last time I was there was more than 10 years ago at my company’s annual D&D. Remembered the senior management was sitting in front of the stage and lapping it up. Hehe!

Anyway, the building will make way for a grand new building, many times higher. It is after all on prime land. But it is an amazing establishment, not just because the entertainment survived the ultra strict, conservative Singapore government, but that there were actually enough paying audience to keep it going. I know it became a bit of a struggle later but still…it’s quite amazing Crasy Horse didn’t even last a year. 2 of the ladies at my table held their weddings there at the restaurant. It held much precious memories for them.

And so, a few of us joined many others in celebrating the last dinner at this place. Boy, did we have fun. ^^

2006 ended well with both of us just chilling out at home for a whole week. Ahhhh….

Let’s hope 2007 will turn out great. ^^

April 2006

Quarter finals results. Unfortunately, England didn’t win the final match.
Saw Rugby 7’s at the National Stadium for the 3rd year running. I like rugby. (See my posting here about it. The junior college I went to was 1 of the 3 top JCs in this sport at that time. It was fun to go down and support the team…and there were always many supporters. ^^ I think there was one year when we won the Grand Slam for lower, upper secondary and the junior college titles…the whole school had the next day off.

But this was the last rugby match at the National Stadium. The stadium is going to be torn down (like many buildings in Singapore, all done in the name of development) and rebuild into something grander. It will only reopen in 2010. My generation grew up with the National Stadium. I’ve been there quite a few times for for various events..somtimes as a spectator..sometimes as a participant. There were a few concerts held there as well. Michael Jackson was one of them. It was quite something to watch him perform live. The National Stadium will now become a memory for many of us and a new generation will grow up with the new one.

For the 1st time in our 20+ years of friendship, the 4 of us went on a chick trip. (Read about it here and here. After much discussion, arguing and planning, we went off to KL for a long weekend. No husbands, no kids. Just 4 women- reminiscing and catching up. Our 1st loves, our crushes, the teachers, our escapades.. we talked late into the night. Part of what I am today is entwined with them…because those days were one of the most memorable part of my life.

May 2006
I’ve been lucky, I have a few close, good friends. These are them. I’ve known them since I was 15…and that was a long time ago. C has been living abroad for nearly 10 years now as she too married a Caucasion. The 2 of us have often joked that we should introduce an ‘ang mo’ (red hair) to YL as well. Unfortuanately hubby does not have the widest circle of friends and C is too far away.

C was back in SG for a much needed break. We told her to come back to SG for good. There’s family and friends here and she wouldn’t be alone but I don’t think she will. She has gotten used to the lifestyle over there. Most impoartantly, her home there holds much memories for her.

I think she’s moving on. I’m glad. Who knows, maybe another romance would come her way in the future. I really hope so.

Election time in Singapore. It was a no event for me though…just like all the other elections. My constituency was a walk-over, ie, no opposition party. Sigh… I may just never have a chance to vote. Maybe I should consider moving to another estate…..The result? PAP of course. There was never a doubt. The betting was on how many constituencies the opposition could win.

June 2006
I lost someone in the family in this month.

Though death is a certainty with all of us and it’s only a matter of time when it happens…Yet it’s still painful when it happens unexpectantly and unnecessarily. When that person has yet to see the world properly..when you think the whole world stretched out before him…if only he grasped it.

The 2 of us had gotten a little closer the few months before his death. It’s strange that it should only happen now after all these years but I was really happy about it. And it will always be my regret that we didn’t make this happen a little earlier. I guess I thought there would be enough tomorrows to do it.

I wonder what he’s doing. I like to believe that he’s much happier where he is now…with the people he loved.

Yeah… it’s time to pop the champagne and don the party hats…

Time say goodbye to the old year and usher in the new…..

In less then 4 hours, it will be 2007.

Where did 2006 go? Didn’t I just celebrate it recently? Time doesn’t just fly. It zoomed by in a supersonic jetplane.

Is anyone making new year resolutions? I’ve never really done any New Year resolution. Perhaps because instinctively I know that I wouldn’t really follow it through. But losing 2 inches off my ever-increasing waist would be nice.

January 2006
I saw snow for the first time. I was really excited. So much so that I woke up hubby, who was sleeping away soundly. Wonder why we still get excited over such seemingly small things? Perhaps nature has a way of affecting us that we’re not even aware of. Isn’t this beautiful?
This was part of my FIL’s garden, covered in snow.

Rang in the New Year on the Isle of Man. (I just found out that the island is a possession of England. Hmmm… ) After the obligatory round of champagne and well wishes, the whole family was in bed by 12.15am. Very civilised. And yet.. it felt right. It was certainly nice to snuggle up in bed with with hubby, warmed by a few glasses of champagne. I’m either getting old or sentimental…or probably both. Above is photo of my BIL’s garden. It’s big.

In Scotland for the first time (at least for me), we visited our friend’s lovely place by the stream in a small village called Garvald.

It has only a couple of roads and one restaurant/pub/ eating place. The post office opens only ony alternate days I think. And yes, everyone does know everyone.

In Dalrymple, Scotland, we stayed in this lovely 100 years old pub, Kirkton Inn. I feasted on my English breakfast (I wrote about my love for this breakfast here), whereas hubby enjoyed the range of whiskey available there to the fullest.

I was looked upon with much curiosity, though they try to do it as discreetly as possible, unlike Singaporeans, who often gaped at hubby when he ventures into the heartland areas.

Snapped this photo on the beach of Ayr —->
I read that it gets really crowded during Summer. But on that day in the cold winter, there was only a handful of people out there…mostly walking their dogs.

We (or rather hubby) had to do a lot of driving along what the British call the motorways. I’m always intrigued by the rest stops along these roads. Not only do they provide a welcome break but there always seemed to be so much activities in these stops. They even provide free food and drinks for the travelling pets…but not for the owners though. Hehe!

Instead of flying into the Heathrow airport and spending time in London, we flew to Manchester this time. I like Manchester. Not as buzzing as London perhaps. But that means it was also less stressful. It had a more ‘homey’ feel.

Salford Quays

One last note before I finish off with Janaury, did you know that Robert Burns was born in Ayr, Scotland? Robert who? Don’t know who he is? Perhaps you know this poem?

Red, red rose
O my Luvs’s like a red, red rose,
That’s newly sprung in June.

No, then perhaps you’ll find the song being played on my blog vaguely familiar?

Auld Lang Syne. The song that’s played practically everywhere on New Year’s Eve. Only that this was the orginal version. If you like this song, you can check out the album here

Auld Lang Syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, (Should old aquantaince be forgot)
And never brought to mind? (And never remembered?)
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, (Should old aquantaince be forgot)
And auld lang syne! (For old long ago)

For auld lang syne, my dear (For old long ago, my dear)
For auld lang syne. (For old long ago)
We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet, (We will take a cup of kindness yet)
For auld lang syne. (For old long ago)

Lyrics credit: Robert Burn official site

Altogether now……

For auld lang syne, my dear (For old long ago, my dear)
For auld lang syne. (For old long ago)
We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet, (We will take a cup of kindness yet)
For auld lang syne.

February
The all important Chinese New Year. I always make it a point to go down to Chinatown. Somehow CNY doesn’t seemed like CNY if I don’t visit Chinatown and jostle with all the crowd there.

Every year the prices for the BBQ Pork at this particular stall shoot up higher and higher… but the the queue continues to get longer and longer and it starts earlier and earlier. Wonder what time will it start this CNY?

But it is really nicer than the other brands. Yummy!

CNY lunch on the 2nd day is an event I always look forward to. Everyone (including close family friends) comes back for lunch. That means there are about 40 of us cramming inside my grandmother’s small flat. It is also introduction time for that girlfriend/ boyfriend….. if it’s serious…..
Men on parade…the men in my life…

This year, shortly after CNY, I did one of the craziest thing in my life. I went on a climbing trip. Though I’m not sure I’ll do it again, I have no regrets and enjoyed every single minute of it…after it was over and I could sit down and reflect upon it of course. Hehe!

To read about my climb, read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3

March
Hmm… there was no photos…so no major events. What I didn’t do anything special?
But as I read my blog.. I realised I had lunch with one of bestest friend. I worked. I went to the gym. I spent time with hubby.

Sometimes it’s a joy to be just normal and ordinary. Doing the routine things can be special too… when you’re healthy and am surrounded by loved ones.

Finally… I have a little breathing space.

I wanted to blog over the weekend but you know what? As usual weekend is busier than weekday.

I know God created the world and everything else in it in 6 days.

But God didn’t have a niece’s birthday party to go to…
He didn’t have to do the laundry…
Nor sort through all the paperwork…

Sigh…

Actually, I wouldn’t complain so much if the weekend has 3 days instead of 2 days. I think 3 days would be just nice and a good balance between work and leisure.

See.. you need the first day to do the things that you have to do… like grocery shopping, banking, laundry etc

You need the second day to do the things you want to do… like going for a play, or watching a movie or going to the gym.

And then finally, you need the third and last day to just rest. You know, chill out? Catch up on lost sleep etc. Laze around at home.

By then, I would be ready to go back to work and slough it out for another 4 days. ^^

The above items belong to this little girl below. My little niece. She turned 1 during the weekend. I don’t think she knew what was going on and in fact was a little bewilded by all the fuss and the people. But she loved it when we sang Happy Birthday and she got to blow out the single candle, ^^

I was jogging around the park on Sunday morning when I saw this cat, sitting in a small field, watching the crazy world go by. I think her idea of how a Sunday morning should be spent is absolutely correct!

It was Hari Raya last week. The end of the fasting month for the Muslims. For the last 20 over years, it also provided a time for a group of old friend to meet and catch up Nora’s place.

We would all happily eat the spread of food prepared by her mother and talk the whole afternoon away. Sometimes the husbands would come along. But more often than not, after the obligatory first visit, they stay away. Because not only are they clueless about our conversation, they are also rather intimated by the prospect of facing over 10 girls.

The gathering is always very informal. She doesn’t send out any formal invitation. It’s understood that we’re to just turn up somewhere in the afternoon. BUT, this year, she actually sent out invitation via sms. It caught all of us by surprise and was a hot topic of discussion during our gathering. hehe!

I still remember the times we spent together in Biology class. The fun we had in that old fashion lab. Nora, Irene and I were always somewhere at the back and we did fool around abit. I don’t think we did a lot of studying but somehow by some miracles, we managed to pass. No doubt due to the fact our teacher was ‘fond’ of picking on us.

Ahh.. to be 16.

Who cares about study? (Actually we did lah but it’s not very cool to say so.)

We did a lot of shopping in Orchard Road.

We ate at MacDonald’s (the first MacDonald’s opened around then).

There was often some waiting at the school bus stop for a certain number bus at certain time.. because that was when the boys from a certain school nearby would be in it.

Ahh… those were the days.

Over the years, the group of us have grown up… some have found boyfriends, gotten married, gotten divorced, had children. But still, we meet about once a year and catch up. It’s good to have friends. ^^

This photo was taken during our prom night when we were 16. It was the first ever prom night for the school and was held in the school grounds. We looked a bit ‘biang’ hor? But this was more than 20 years ago and we were alot more conservative then. Those of you reading this.. can you recognise yourself? haha! Luckily for me, I think the photo too blur to see me. ^^

Aren’t these 2 boys cute? Once upon a time, their mothers were talking about boys. Now they’re the mothers of boys. One day soon, these boys will also be looking out for girls.