Happy 49th Birthday, my home!

WC dropped me a text out of the blue to ask if I was interested in joining an event.

I was thinking it must be some roadshow or IT Fair again but it was an invitation to a picnic with the mister on National Day!

The past weeks was all about planning for the house and we finally took some time off for a proper date :)

Went for a little date at City Square to get our picnic food.

Our current addiction is Watami's salad and I can't do without chicken for a picnic. Haha.
I even went to the mama shop below my place to get a flag!

It was our first time heading to Marina Barrage on National Day and we didn't know there was some event going on.

Turned out to be a really pleasant surprise! There was live screening of the NDP with hundreds (I think even thousands) of Singaporeans celebrating Singapore's birthday together!

It has been such a long time since I felt so at home. We were surrounded by the familiar scene of families flying kites, having home-cooked food together. Couples and friends taking selfies, and families who don't know each other helping each other to lay out their mats. 

It was a beautiful sight of what racial harmony, the Singapore spirit or whatever the government has been advocating year after year. No shoving around, no screaming at the top of the voice, it's just the familiar Singapore we used to see :)

 

I made WC take a mandatory shot with our flag..

Me too!

Can you see the Red Lions?

Everyone stood up and sang the anthem with pride when the flag flew past.

I haven't heard of it for such a long time. 

I swear I felt a little teary when I heard that. Felt damn patriotic at that moment can!

This is home, truly. Where I know I must be :)

Love you Singapore! Happy 49th!

Garfield Run

The weekend had been great. 

Tried out a new recipe, catch up some episode of 'Return of Superman', Garfield run, finalise our wedding pictures, dinner with parents and a good date with love before the dreadful Monday arrives again.

Wanted to come back to do some work cos I receive an email about some dumb last minute meeting tomorrow. 

I kind of regretted my choice every time I think of it. 

Maybe there's just too much on my plate: My wedding, a new place (there's hell a lot to do compared to the wedding), a new appointment at work, endless workload and project. I try not to remember that my studies will begin in 3 weeks time. 

I took on a new appointment at work because I wanted to try something new, and it's quite dumb cos there's no monetary rewards perhaps just some satisfactory moment each project is done. But that means ALOT of additional hours of meetings which I deemed pointless and a total waste of time. 

Perhaps I feel this way cos my heart and brain is always preoccupied with the house and the wedding. The wedding planning has been placed aside, and all our focus is on the house. Who would have thought planning of a house could be that hard? So much thought is put into even where to place a wire, which bulb to buy. Actually WC has been doing most of it while I did the damn job about buying things from Taobao. 

It's cheap but reading those chinese words and figuring out which shipping method and company to use is damn hard. I believe we saved quite a fair bit buying from there, but it's definitely at the expense of tonnes of frustration and argument. I even got nightmare about shopping from there! It doesn't help that I am such an impatient person, working so much but yet everything seems half done. FML. I tried not to lose my temper but I don't know why I got so frustrated easily. Then I got guilty cos WC got all the shit from me and blah blah it goes on in a vicious cycle. 

Think I am forming this intense love-hate relationship with our house. 

But not going to give up! Think it will just get better :)

I hate the feeling I feel inadequate in my work, yet have to represent my department in presenting all those crap that I don't even know what I am talking about. 

It's taking up so much of my time I lose the drive to be efficient. I can be in the middle of some stuff and I just take a break to check if my loots from TB have arrived. End up everything is undone. 

I think I don't really have much of a choice now. 

I am not a quitter so I just have to suck it up and do all the shit I have to do. Perhaps it will get better when I get the hang of it or be more focused on it when all my wedding stuff and home prep is ready. 

LAO NIANG ONLY WANT TO GET MARRIED NOW AND NOT WORK! lol.

Ok enough of ranting. It's supposed to be about the Garfield Run.

If you survived all my ranting, here's the photos! LOL.

WC's friend introduced him to the Garfield Run so he suggested we go since we have not done something like that together before. Plus the fact that he wanted the medal for us. haha.

Did I mention that I don't like running? (I think my max was 3km though WC keeps insisting that I have done more than that before).

The only time Garfield appeared. 

Really Garfield Run. Everyone was taking photo before the starting point. That includes us!

Mandatory shot before the start of the run.

Halfway through the race still can take photo. Haha.

The medic located at that point was damn suay. So many couples approached her to take photos cos the Singapore Flyer is behind. 

We looked damn slack but we really ran ok?

Some couples walked throughout. #likeagarfield

And cos it's a couple race, we actually held hands to complete the last 100m of the race. 

Cliche but quite sweet la. Heehee. 

They even had loads of free food from the sponsors after the race. 

Since the couple run was before the 3km fun run (with loads of families and kids), we got our food without much queuing. Yay!

Damn excited to take photo with our childhood mascot. 

Favourite snacks when I was young. Actually now also!

Still got pencil paddlepop!

We are in a jolly mood after the run.

First time see everyone so happy after a fun. Must be the Garfield- effect. 

Face damn fat here. 

But it's the only photo of our medals. And I can't believe how lousy S5 camera is under low light. Pui.

We queued the longest for this! 

But no regrets :)

Not sure if I will go for another run again, but I definitely had a great night with WC yesterday.

Maybe like what Serene says, "love is blind". 

Haha because only WC managed to persuade me to join a run which my friends had failed in our decade of friendship.

Who knows what is he capable of doing next? ;P

the gluttony weekends

Finally got myself some time to update this space. 

Time has been zooming past so quickly I am already losing track of what I have done. 

Start of the post with the happiest thing today.

Our renovation has finally started!

After months of discussion and negotiation, we are one step closer to our home.

I don't mean to emphasise on how fast time past. 

But seriously, without my phone, it is hard to record down chronologically what had happened 

Had my favourite steamboat again!

Guess where?

WC gave us a treat cos it is his sis' birthday. 

They still had pretty good service , but now they hired Filipinos, which IMO loses the appeal of Hai Di Lo. 

The usual spread, except this time we had ALOT of vegetable. (Spot the 4 cup full)

Haha I was telling WC, we actually spent more than 50 bucks on veggie alone. 

I thought this looks cute. But I don't like the bittergourd. 

We head back to rest after lunch and found a gem near Little India. 

Don't say I never share!

 I am seldom a fan of cafe but I was totally sold by the food sold in Jewel Cafe and Bar @Rangoon Road.

Food aside, the ambience makes it worth visiting already. 

A two level industrial feel cafe, it was pretty quaint on a Saturday night.

Something hard to find in Singapore, where we don't have to try hard not to hear the conversation of those sitting beside you. The service isn't the best, but it ain't that bad either, so not much comment. 

And the highlight! 

We had the OMG burger, topped up 2 bucks for a generous serving of truffle fries.

Doesn't look special but look at this!

I think got effort leh.

Cheddar cheese, beef patty, luncheon meat and veggie.

The patty was a little tough and makes it hard to bite. Haha I thought it tasted a bit like meatball.

WC says they probably took some time to serve that's why it's more tough.

Ok and the reason that I am so biased is because of this!

We also shared a crabmeat linguine which was damn good. 

The pasta was cooked to perfection and topped up with a very crispy fried mantou. 

Not to mention the damn nice chilli crab gravy. *Slurp*

And a picture of my ever photo ready WC!

I love the new shirt that he bought from Uniqlo :))

 

And of course nothing beats the awesome company that we had for the weekend rite?

(Actually I just want to show how lousy S5 camera is under low light)

Had a very exciting Saturday morning but shall share more in another post. 

So we headed to town to collect our "race pack". Hahaha.

Don't know why I agreed to join this with WC. 

Maybe I thought it would be a new milestone for us cos we have never done something like that before.

I know it's a fun run that's just 5km but I am actually quite excited and scared at the same time.

WC keeps rolling his eyes at me whenever I told him I want to rest at home on Saturday before the run. 

Haha please don't judge someone who has never run more than 5km in her life.

 And thanks to zenghu bonus, I gave WC a treat at Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng restaurant!

We were craving for Korean food and up pops LadyIronChef recommendation on google.

I realise it was highly raved but the reviews were dated back to 2012 where we had less authentic Korean food then. 

It lacks the Korean feel but they made it up with the very good service.

For the price, I think I won't visit again though I receive a free Ginseng Chicken voucher for the next visit. HAHAHA.

Hair tied up like ahma in fear of stinking like the BBQ beef.

Free flow panchan which was not very authentifc IMO. 

 Kimchi pancake which was made even more yummy after we pan fried it on the BBQ stove. Heehee.

A mixture of the different wagyu beef parts.

That yellowish looking one is the tongue! FML. 

 

And we ordered this because we are entitled to get it for 9.90 if we spent above 80bucks.

So the two dishes above cost us the price already. Abit ex. 

Okay shall continue tomorrow.

It's TGIF but I have to go work early and come home late. Sian. 

Good night folks!

Bridesmaid get together!

Had a bridesmaid get together last weekend. 

I am honestly not very good at multi tasking. Planning for a home and wedding at the same time is no easy feat. While you are looking for the lights in your house, you are thinking about what to have at your solemnisation table. 

It really decrease my efficiency level by ALOT. FML.

I NEED A TIMELINE!

And it doesn't help when school is starting in a month's time. 

Side track too much, back to this. 

My sisters have been asking me for a get together for everyone to know each other. But honestly, most of them know each other for more than a decade already. 熟到烂 already!

But we still decided to go ahead cos it's fun!

And I decided to make something for them. 

I can only conclude my art sucks. Because this has been on my to-do-list for the longest time, I couldn't come up with  satisfactory gift. Dunno change how many times before I finalise on this. (Partially cos they were coming the next day haha)

So my bridesmaid team consist of my girls who were with me since Secondary school (same class all the way somemore), my closest hallmate and of course my sister! Bring it on, groomsmen!

Not just the most fun people to hang around with, they are the most chop-chop group.

Came and prep all the food for me. 

Then we started planning for the wedding. They pointed out all the stuff I missed out so now all I need to do it to finalise it. (It's actually ALOT of stuff that I overlooked. Hahaha.)
Gate crash also done. Swee.

Then time for the dress! So glad they were all happy with what my minimal artistic talent can produce and all busy instaagramming after receiving it. Haha. 

Yay! Bridesmaid stuff done. One more thing off the list!

End this off with some photos that I got from my photoshoot. 

I am so happy with it and I can't wait to receive my edited album! 

Despite WC's countless protest to only show our pictures during the wedding, I feel the urge to share cos I am so in love with it! HAHAHA.

So gonna put it at our place in future! Mad loveeeeeeeeeeeee 

又老一岁咯！

Had an awesome weekend :)

Because they know I love surprises, Jia and WC had something planned for me.

Not just because of the surprises, but I felt really blessed with the love and effort from my family and friends.

Jia brought me out for a surprise birthday lunch.

She refused to let me guess where she is bringing me but she always let the cat out of the bag before we go to the place.

But she really caught me by surprise this time!

We had Jerry's BBQ and Grill for lunch because I was craving for ribs badly while we were in Ho Chi Minh.

And we overordered (as usual).

Just pop over to HGW and was shocked by its bad review.
Hahaha really not that bad la. I quite like its old school, chilled and laid back ambience.

Jerry's deep fried mushroom. Not bad.

We actually ordered half a dozen of chicken wing cos Jia was pretty sure we can finished.
But Level 3 was already numbing for her so I ended up eating most of it. FML.

Ok I don't like this but Jia likes.
But this is their signature so I think it boils down to personal preference.

Ehh seafood marinara..

Supposed to go for dessert after that but went for foot reflexology instead cos we were too stuffed.
Thanks Sis for the wonderful treat!

This birthday, I told WC I wanted something handmade. Haha in fact I wanted a handmade card from this year on cos I imagine grinning to myself ten years down the road reading the cards made by him.

He wanted to bring me to Blue Mist but it was closed on Sunday.
So we went Restore Living instead. It's a quaint and chill cafe and might head back for its waffle cos I heard its not bad.

Because WC says it's not time for dinner, so we need to kill some time by taking goofy photos.
It's my birthday post, so I must make more appearance.
Whatever.

I was getting a little restless because we spent so long walking without doing anything birthday related.
So I demanded for my present. Hahahha
Look
what
 WC
 made
for
 me!!!!
.
.
.

So much love okayyyyyyyy!!! *muacks*
WC has made and written some small cards for me before but nothing so elaborated!
And it's so thoughtful cos it's all my favourite photos from my instagram :))
And in an instagram box cos I am forever on instagram. zzzzz.
I can never be as thoughtful as this!

I must have underestimated how happy I was.
I was practically griinning.
Haha and yes, I was instagramming again.

Dinner was done at Kho Kho Nara Chicken because we are currently into chicken and beer *read with the Korean accent*.
Despite the postive reviews online, I only have negative comments about them.
Serve the wrong dish. Poor service. Mediocre food. \
Period.

Their chicken wing was supposed to be good. But first they served me the wrong thing.
What is it that they wrote Winglet on their menu and I got drumlets, somemore in the wrong flavour.
So I had to try hard to get their attention (literally cos there's only 2 staff with more than 10 tables, with endless enquires and calls from walk in customers) to get my food changed.
TWICE they got it wrongly, that I blamed on poor communication because I spoke to a Korean and a PRC.
And when I tried to ask her what flavour was the chicken she served, she actually said, "
"哎呀，我不知道啦！”
Like WTF seriously.

The commotion stops there because WC keeps telling me it's ok and I shall chill cos it's my birthday. Haha.
I can stand lousy food but I can't stand bad service.
I reckoned nothing would be resolved because they won't even understand or even bother what I am saying.
So yea, DON"T EVER PATRONISE THEM.
By the way, 4 fingers served wings 10 times better and also cheaper than them.

We have skills good enough to make normal food looks good.

Still looking happy cos that's before that chicken wings that took years to arrive.

That's why all posed with the pot only.

$20 for this. Pui.

He was texting non stop when he was with me so I knew something was wrong. And the fact that he was so secretive about it means he has something hiding from me! So I knew it was either collaboration with my friend or sister.
But by the time we ended, it was 9 and we headed home straight after that.

I swear at that moment I wanted to cry.
Hahaha although I wanted a simple celebration, it shouldn't be just a dinner plus a a card right?
Okay, I sound greedy, but you must see what we do for each other's birthday. Haha more elaborated than any other occassions lo.

So as I was going up the escalator, I saw someone sneaking behind me.
Hehehehe, I knew there was be something else!
And nothing new, I spoiled his surprise again. Zzzz.
But we still pretended that nothing happened and headed home. Haahahahah
I was expecting my family to spring up in the dark living room with a cake, but when that really happened I don't know why I feel really touched.

I am a fan of surprises, and things like that are what I will do but no one has ever done that for me before.
Apparently WC liaised with my sis and got a cake delivered to our place (My favourite strawberry shortcake somemore!)
Because the deliveryman came much earlier, my mummy and sis were loitering at the corridor waiting for the cake because they were afraid I will discover their plot.
And this time it was not my sis but my parents who looked so excited with a cake in their hand singing the birthday song.

Daddy suggested this cos we took too many of the mandatory family shot.
Love it so much it's now at my office desk :)

And this too :)
The most awesome parter I can ever ask for <3

Thank you baby for preparing all the surprises that I could never guess and the love that my family seldom expressed to me. (Ehh not no love arh.. we express through other ways! Haha)

The next day was the annual dinner treat my parents have for me.
Jia couldn't make it cous she was at camp, so I sent her a video of our full faces while she's having her lunch box.

Her reply, " Thanks ah! Happy Birthday Fatfat!"

Had been postponing this post for too long. Shall leave some other celebrations with friends to the other post.

Giving thanks for the life that I have, the people that I love and love me, and learning to be more grateful as I grow older.
Happy Birthday to me :)