A · semi-charmed · kind · of · life.

Anyways, merry christmas to all and happy holidays! Lots of love! Xoxo

Anyway, they're 11 hours behind us and so I wait. This relates to a new piece of hedge fund business and I reckon they all live by the beach fronts and come into the office quite late. I didn't bother staying back at the office this evening.

Anyhow, I had a lovely surprise today! My friend, Michelle, who I got to know in Melbourne is working within the same business sector and the same bank as I am, in Jarkarta! Im soooooooo happy! I mean, now I have a real FRIEND in the same company as me! Geez I know that sounds lame but still. 

Anyway, IDR's not a very regulated currency or I would have bombarded her with questions today. The TWD market is  quite hot right now. GIven the pretty regulated financial environment there, I pretty much am faced with a lot of trading and settlement issues for some of my clients at the moment.  My MD covers SEA (including Indonesia), so Michelle and i share the same direct boss. She's away in HK right now so didn't get to ask her about Michelle. I do hope Michelle comes down soon for a course or something. She's is pretty much the SWEETIE.

Enough of work I guess.....Im gonna facebook now maybe. Bye!

Over the last few weeks, I've -
- tailored many new shirts for work (yay)
- exchanged the previous white bag for a new Ivory calf skin slouch bag frm Prada
- consecutive fridays of booze and drunkeness. Now, that is terrible......I'm staying off alcohol for a while....if only to save myself from bloatedness
- am contemplating joining a gym. Fitness Fit is likely to be it. Work's been robbing me of time after work to exercise and I haven't ran in almost 2 months. Im starting to feel really lathergic and plump. Working out during lunch will be great.
- am addicted to TV! Or more precisely, watching TV and movies online! Over the last 3 weekends, Ive buried myself in my room watching Sex and the City, Gossip Girl, America's Next Top Model, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Good Luck Chuck (or something), Superbad, The Nanny Diaries and Marie Antoinette. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Tudou,.com. I can't read mandarin though. So, I simply follow the link from Surfthechannel.com. For some reason, I prefer watching it out of Tudou.com.

I hate dragging myself to work on a sunday.......................so torturous.......
ARGH. Get your ass  OUT of the chair babe!

The bestie and I went to Funan Mall yesterday and we got stuff! Diamond bought a new laptop and I got new Altec Lansing speakers, keyboard, USB Hub, Audio -Technica earphones for my ipod AND finally, a baby pink Sony T70 Camera! 

Yay! Total damage there to my purse was about SGD600. Later, we walked to Raffles City, I bought a new MAC eye pencil, Lancome whitening spot eraser, new Lancome lip colour and Fancl lip treatment thingy. Saw some lovely, lovely crystal encrusted heels at Hue but the shop was closing :( Have to go back there again on monday to check them out. They'll be perfect for Carol's day wedding event on Friday. Maybe I'll get the darker heels for the dinner. 

We had a delicious dinner at Menotti. Throw in wonderful conversation with the bestie. What more could a girl ask for? It was a perfect saturday.

Speaking of Carol's wedding, the girls are throwing her a hen's night this wednesday and we'll all be busy with bridesmaid duties till friday night. So exciting! Needless to say, we've already taken leave from wednesday onwards. I hope to take tuesday afternoon off as well to shop......Let's hope I can reschedule my meetings that day...

The trip to Ho Chi Minh City was pretty interesting. The French had left their trademarks in the characteristic wide boulevards, the township planning (at least in District one), architecture, cuisine and even religion. Within district one, there were certain parts  very reminiscent of Paris and if you zoomed in on a tight angle (very  much like a camera shot), you could be fooled. The Notre Dame Cathedral is a miniature of the original on the Ille de la Cite in Paris, and constructed of bricks imported from Marseilles and held up by stained windows from Chartres. 

Likewise, the American allies had established driving on the left and the thriving American market, where war memorabilia is still being peddled. Of course, the truimph of the Northern Viets ensured also the prevalence of many socialist symbols like the sickles (everywhere) and the general, slightly depressing and bureaucratic air of a socialist country (sorry). However, to be fair, the country has certainly developed quite a bit.And true be told, the public toilets are a lot cleaner than I'd expected.

If there is a word to describe the traffic in HCMC, it will have to be "treacherous". The number of motorcyclists on the road is overwhelming! There is a VERY constant cacophony of horns - the short curt beeps of motorcycles, with different sharps and flats,  and the loud honks of trucks dominate the city soundscape. There is nary a second without the intrusive sound of a horn and it's unbearable! At least until you get used to it and I started to wonder if these sounds would affect the hearing of the locals over time....

Speaking of traffic, it's crazy. On my first day, the idea of crossing the road was a very daunting one. Some roads are unmarked, there is a neverending stream of traffic (they seem to never stop), lights are sometimes not adhered to, it's no wonder just crossing the road can seem so damn intimidating. I've not been to Beijing but I've been told by my colleague that this is worse. The trick is to cross aggressively and the traffic will avoid and circumvent around you. Walk steadily and do not run because it just makes it hard for the traffic to gauge how fast they can drive without hitting you. Anyway, you'll get used to it. I did!

The food is GREAT. However, because I was there for work and we had to shortlist the best restaurants, the places we ate were probably not representative of middle class fare. For those going there, I would highly recommend Temple Club (for Vietnamese food and fact that it used to be an old temple. Duh), Au Manoir De Khai (Fine French Dining, excellent food and service. Pricing is in USD and on the high side) and Augustin (French Bistro style but this sadly didnt make the cut because it was too ....."downmarket" for the apparent spoilt tastes of my colleagues back home). 

Shopping. HCMC is renowned for their lacquer ware, coffee and paintings. All of which I hope to get on my next trip again next fri. 

Till then, have great weekend!

I'm toying with the idea of buying a digital camera, particularly the Sony T70/Fuji Z100, but I'm not too sure. (I'm quite clueless, actually) Slimness, anti-shake, no red-eyes, clarity, colour, weight and price are key considerations.Does anyone have recommendations? 

Actually, I think I'll like to get one before my trip to HCM this coming friday. So, I've only 4 days to search and purchase (if it comes down to that). I've read Hardwarezone.com, and it seems MS Colour at AMK is highly recommended. Is there any where else I can go for one-stop variety and good pricing?

You know how they say when someone thinks of you, you sneeze three times? Somehow, I think I have managed to delude myself that this is true! Everytime I sneeze three times in a row (and it's quite often these days), I actually think "yay, someone's thinking of me!" and get really pleased and happy about it. Sometimes, I speculate who. Could it be so and so? I also make a conscious effort to count the number of sneezes each time. I'm so silly. Yes, even I know that!

And, omg!! I totally LOVE Wii!!! Was at Christie's place last night and RY bought his Wii. At first we played some game (can't remember the title but there are many small challenges and there was one segment where you had to pull out the character's nose hair within 3 seconds and that was super hilarious), then we played tennis, golf and bowling in Wii Sports. Soooooooooo fun! I feel like having one myself! Seriously, if not for the fact that it cost $600.....I would have snapped it up if it was half its price..

Has anyone been to Ho Chi Minh? I'm in the organising commitee of next month's dept offsite in Ho Chi Minh and I've never been there! While I would be making a trip there in 2 weeks to check out the hotel, conference venues and the game sites (we're going to Kochi tunnel and organising an "Amazing Race" around the city), we need to find appropriate venues for dining and evening drinks. Does anyone have recommendations on food (Vietnamnese and French), drinks and must see fun places (tourist spots and shopping) to visit? Also, any recommendations on  tailors (for ao dais) and local art galleries? I foresee those would be the top 2 requests from my colleagues. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Anyway, the rest of you have a fantastic week ahead! Mine might be a bit dicey but I'll manage. Cheers!

Last night, I finally met up with Pearle, who's on her stopover in Singapore. She and her friend, Nance, are travelling round the world (half of it, at least) post studies before they start their careers back in Melbourne next month. Anyway, had a great time showing them around a bit of Cannery and MOS. We managed to squeeze into the crowded Smoove and boy the music was goooood! Lots of crowd pleasers, it's no wonder the space is packed.

The girls brought along their friend who was also visting from Melb. We were hanging out quite a bit through the night and halfway through, he said, "(myname), I don't wish to sound ungentlemanly but I would really like to try on your lips for size.." Gasp. Erm, okay! I said, I don't know what to say! Where's the witty one-liners when I need them? Anyway, quite charming really but not my type..

Home at 4ish and got my ass into bed at 5ish. I'm having consecutive late (like really late) weekends these days. It's terrible. Was supposed to go into the office today to work on some stuff but 1) by the time I woke up at 12noon, it was a bit late to go into the office and I didn't want to be still there at 7pm on a Sunday!! 2) I feel a bit loserish for working weekends all the bloody time. 

Anyway, I've decided to go into work earlier tomorrow at 7am. Hopefully, I'll get a headstart and clear at least some of the more important stuff before my phone starts ringing off the hook. R says, with my hours, I might be better off being in investment banking. Same hours, better pay. Gah. That's quite true actually. I work beside the said team and everytime I leave the office at 10 or 11, the guys are still there. On weekends when I step in, they're there to accompany me too! It's no wonder we now have a new shower room installed on our floor! It's quite nice actually...lots of marble, glass and wood.

Just realised I can't take the week off for Chinese New Year! I was really looking forward to that :( My colleague's going away on a work trip to London and my boss will have to take a day off to accompany her mom on a medical thingy. Sighhhh.

My room's so messy. I need a day off (or two) to pack! I desperately need a second wardrobe (my current built in wardrobe is bursting and in my room, I've got thick piles of dry clean/suits/shirts/dresses hanging on the walls and erm window grilles) and a new shoe cabinet (currently am hogging 80% of my family's shared space and even so, I have filled shoe boxes stacked all around). Argh! But first I need to decide how I should re-arrange my room space with the new wardrobe. I'll need a new, smaller desk too.

Lovely! A perfect time to re-decorate my room! But first, I'll need to get through the painful step of sorting and throwing....

Anyway, machiattos work better for me now. They're cheaper (SGD1.40
savings every weekday morning), stronger and definitely less fattening.
Also, I've discovered I actually prefer black coffee.

Good on me for managing to trim SGD1.40 off my daily budget. But I'm now
revisting my total cost of caffeine. SGD4.20 each morning, translates to
SGD126 a month and an annualised cost of SGD1386 (based on 11 mnths, since
the remaining last month is equivalent to my total annual leave days). Oh
my. That's a bag!!! Crap....

I'm thinking, perhaps, I can do 3 days of Spinelli and 2 days of Kopi O
from the local coffeehouse. However, the thought mildly depresses me.
Sigh. I do prefer the taste of coffee from the former. I do find coffee
from former much more fragrant and smooth. I'm sure it has something to do
with how the beans are processed and brewed etc, though I have no clue on
the technicalities.

Good morning coffees belong to the same league as ....fake
eyelashes, double sided mascara, erm what else? They make you feel good
and you never want to do without them once you begin. Which is why, I
don't think I want to start with fake eyelashes. I might end up having to
wean myself off them...

Anyway! I know a fool proof way to guaranteeing a meeting with your love
interest/bf/whatever. Always wear crappy outfits and you're definitely
lucking out with a surprise chance meeting. Wear your nicest looking
outfits and you're bound NOT to meet them. Which is why, I've decided it's
always important to look great. You just never know. Hah.

What a frivolous post. But dont they always are?

I hope this email post goes through without the bloody corporate
disclaimer this time...

Had a leisurely breakfast while reading the morning papers. Found some leftover portobello mushrooms, fresh cream and sour cream. Ended up with some fresh mushroom soup for lunch. Yum. Watched travel documentaries on Channel 16 for 6 whole hours! 

I was in such a gorgeous mood all day. I went totally silly grinning to myself. Heehee. I couldn't help it especially while I was thinking of ....! How maddening!

Back to work tomorrow! What a great 4 day work week ahead! Can't wait for friday already! Karen's birthday drinks! Heh.

I'm now off for a run!

Current Mood:

cheerful

Anyway, work has been incredibly busy with my boss and colleague taking turns to disappear for weeks on end. The latter is gone for the rest of the year and I've been left holding the fort for a while now, till the start of 2008. I swear I'm planning my leave in advance for next year!! Like seriously.

This weekend, I was planning the annual Christmas menu and was contemplating if I should do a Roast Beef instead. But because I neglected to plan my leave in advance and having to work on Christmas Eve (albeit a 3/4 day), I figured I'll stick to something familiar (and have mastered over the years) and decided to do up a bird again this year.

The Menu is looking out to be -

Beef Salad with Sesame Oil Dressing
Baked Baby Carrots with Cumin, Thyme, Butter & Chardonnay
Herb-rubbed Ham with Bourbon Glaze
Maple Roasted Stuffed Turkey with Gravy (will be brining the bird overnight before roasting. Stuffing the bird with apple, onions, mushrooms and chestnuts.)
Dessert (undecided)

Considering I'll be back home only by 5pm on the eve, I definitely will have to prepare most of the ingredients next sunday. I'm still not sure what dessert I shld do. I'm thinking, since I don't have much time and will be crazy busy/mad doing up the other dishes from scratch, I may have to BUY desert from somewhere. It's an idea I'm not too crazy about since I'm a firm believer of cooking things up from scratch.

Anyway, re dessert, realistically speaking, it's not going to be practical doing it up myself. I've only one oven and the Turkey will be holding up the oven space. Even after the turkey is done, I shall have to clean the oven and air it before I put in desert. Was thinking of preparing dessert on Sunday instead. But if so, I can only do a cake. I really wanted something with cooked fruits in pastry, which will not taste good overnight/cold. Hmmm. Dilemma.

Last year, I did puff pastry baskets with cooked berries and maple butter sauce for each family member. I wasn't working that day and it was easy starting to work on dinner since noon.

This week, I shall have to run some serious errands during lunch. On the list are picking up new wine glasses, a new serving platter, getting ingredients, sourcing for dessert ideas, etc. Does anyone know where I can get a FRESH turkey? Frozen turkey is out of the question this year. Edit - sad fact of life is that we don't live in a country where turkeys can be killed and bought almost immediately. I've ordered a frozen turkey from a butchery in Holland Village instead. I'm sad.

I love Christmas! I love cooking the Christmas feast! For the last few years, my family has left me in charge of Christmas Eve dinner and I think it's really enjoyable cooking up the festive treats.

Anyway, I can't wait for the new year to start. It's like starting on a fresh clean sheet of paper, and don't we always love that? This time, I'm intent to start learning new skills/hobbies. I've been neglecting my interest to start on new things for work this year. So, no more excuses next year. Ballroom dancing/salsa/wine appreciation/golf/French classes/Driving are all on my list of things to learn for next year.

Have a most wonderful Christmas to one and all!

Cheers! :)

Current Mood:

happy

I've fallen ill...As i'm typing this, am wrapped up with a blanket in a non-air conditioned room. I can't breathe because both my nostrils are stuck. It's a horrible, horrible feeling.

Anyway, this morning, met R in the pantry (haha) and he commented I look tired. Hmmm...I guess, I DO feel kinda tired these days 'cos of work but could it be my hair too? My hair seriously needs a lift but I'm kinda reluctant to cut it. I'm still waiting for it to grow a little longer before I do a perm.

And, oh, I was on half day leave today! Went for my regular dental appt at Mt Alvernia. While pricking my gums and teeth, my orthodontist commented I brush very well. Thank god for that! My teeth have actually moved quite a fair bit too (in only 2 mnths), and that's really fab.

After the dental appt, I went to town for a spot of shopping. Was reallllllly keen on buying something for this weekend. I went to my usual haunts - Topshop, Warehouse, Forever 21, Zara, Massimo Dutti, Ted Baker, DVF, CK, Banana Republic, Guess, Marciano. Yup, I walked Wisma, Takashimaya and Paragon. Nada. Nothing! By then, I was quite desperate. Like shit, I need something to wear this weekend!! (I've gotten into a  nasty habit of having to have to wear a new outfit every weekend... I know...bad)

When I finally admitted defeat and was walking back dejectedly to the train station, thinking I have to rummage through my wardrobe for something, I walked by and into Karen Millen. They're having an end season sale and I picked up a fabulous deal. I fell in love with the dress the moment I laid eyes on it. It's champagne light gold, satin silk, wide V neck, sorta butterfly sleeves with embroidered details and slightly above knee length, it has the same embroidery  details at the bottom. From $469 to $320 (30% off). LOVE!! I'm so pleased about my new dress.

I got a new black clutch and some new undies too.

Back to work tomorrow and a long weekend too! Friday and next monday off! Birthday weekend! :-D

Current Mood:

bouncy

Realised I've been working from 8.30am to 10 almost everyday and working on saturdays for consecutive weeks now. Blah. I am a bit tired. And I've got people telling me I have lost so much weight (which, okay, I'm quite pleased about :-/ ) Maybe, in 6 years time, I'll be one of those ex-bankers opening up cafes/retaurants. They're very common these days, you know.

Last weekend, I came back to the office on sat and participated in a car rally on sun. The car rally was fun but tiring. I Came back all tired and went out again for my usual run. By the time I returned, I was well and truly exhausted.

This morning, I came into the ofice at 9am, which is like my latest timing ever. I came into work tired and after putting down my bag and sending out my morning rates, I went to grab my usual skinny strong latte from Spinelli. The US is having a bank holiday today so my work is almost halved. Almost!! But there's still the local and Euro market open. 

I'm keen to take up courses in culinary/wine appreciation. Have shortlisted a few appropriate schools namely, Shermay Cooking School, Raffles Culinary Academy (at Raffles Hotel) and Palatte Sensations. Actually, the latter is the only one with wine courses, which I'm more keen on. However, I'm a bit hesistant about the location, as it's located in the west (at Portsdown Road, near Colbar), while I live in the north-east. It's going to be a struggle commuting.

Does anyone know of wine appreciation courses available anywhere?

I can't believe I'm putting aside work to write this entry. Ha. Maybe it's just monday. Maybe not.

My heart did small quick beats. Flowers??? Could it be? I forced myself to be calm and proceeded to continue splashing and lathering (my face).

Once I started for the living room, I subconsciously  did a visual sweep for flowers. Flowers. Then, I remembered my dad mentioning the flowers OUTSIDE. So, I opened the door and ta-dah! Three new pots of Orchids that my dad bought for the house.

DUH!!!!!

Then, I berated myself. Evangeline, you don't live in a freaking TV drama. *rolls eyes to self*

*

Anyway, yesterday was miserable weather! It was raining the entire day and thank goodness I was in the safety of shopping malls. I did, however, bring my umbrella. Have umbrella, will travel.

Had my favourite warm pastrami at Toast and was there for one hour slowing eating brunch and reading the papers. Then, I went to Kino and spent one and a half hours there. In the end, I got only one book but what a good book it is - Seven Types of Ambiguity by Elliot Perlman. At the back, it's described as " a tale of obsessive love brimming with emotional, intellectual and moral dillemas...is at once a psychological thriller and a social critique." When I read the words "social critique", it reminded me of uni and the essays all over again. But after reading through the first 60 pages, I realise that component is what makes the book enjoyable, at least to me.

 It got me at the introduction.

"He nearly called you again last night. Can you imagine that, after all this time? He can. He imagines calling you and running into you by chance. Depending on the weather, he imagines you in one of those...."

Afterall, an author may be successful in the concoction of plots and in his mastery of words but it is really one's experiences that  personalises each literary  jaunt. The author is based in Melbourne and so is the story.

Oh, and I bought a top too, from Topshop. It was the last piece. Lovely V-neck dark navy/bronze printed silk top, with an deep open back, and kimono sleeves. Nice. Then I spent 45 bucks for on-the-spot tailoring (at Far East Plaza), so I could wear it tonight. Sigh.

And, I realise perhaps I need a Miumiu Coffer bag. I never used to like it but maybe it's growing on me. So many weekend clothes can go with it....But nah I cannot buy another bag. At least till my trip to Europe next year.

And, I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO sad it's friday :-(  It's officially my last day of leave. And, I have to go to the office tomorrow to clear emails before I step in on monday. The next  3 weeks are gonna be a nightmare because it'll be me helming the fort alone again :(

Okay, I'm hungry and will go rummage around in the kitchen for food.

Current Mood:

cheerful

Anyway, I'll have to pack my bloody room too. My entire desk is swamped with books and what not. Yes, my only goal for the entire week is to have my room sorted out. Over the next few days, I'll likely go to town for a spot of shopping, hang out at the big bookstores, go for foot massages, chilling out at cafes, that kind of  thing. It'll be nice alone time. Maybe I'll meet some friends for lunch too. If it suits them. But I'm definitely staying clear of Raffles Place. Eeks.

La la la. I'm going to take a shower now and head out for a bit.

It's nice having the whole house to myself and being able to hog the TV for endless hours on my favourite channel. That's Channel 16 - Discovery Travel & Living.

Oh yes, I'm going to catch up on lots of jogging this week too.

This feels absolutely lovely :)

Current Mood:	cheerful
Current Music:	Lush 99.5

During my last semester, I used to listen a lot to Sigur Ros and my favourite was Staralfur. A lot of lazy mid afternoons and sleepless  late nights were spent lying in bed and listening to the track on loop. My mind would drift off countless and I had all the time in the world to dream.

Listening to it right now makes me feel so nostalgic for the good old times.

Maybe going back now will be a great cure for my heart right now. Something of the past I can afford myself before I start shuttling towards the glorious future.

Current Mood:	blank
Current Music:	Staralfur - Sigur Ros

But I HAD to blog this one down.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SARAH WU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EXACTLY one year before, I had sat for my last uni exam paper ever! At this very moment, Carin and I were waiting to meet Sarah for dinner! I remember us walking down Flinders Lane, up Swanston and all along Little Bourke to find some place for dinner. Alas, they were all full (the cheap places were all full - we were students!)  So, we had taken a tram up the street above Elizabeth (can't remember the name now) for Chong Qing Hot Pot, where we had the yummiest spicy chicken and the spiciest broth! That kicked ass, especially after dinner, when we came outside to the chill of winter. 

We walked downwards back to the city for drinks, and this is where my memory starts becoming a bit hazy...wait, in fact, I can't remember anything now! Is this where we went to Honky Tonk's or did we just have quiet drinks at Lane Cointreau (sp - ah its Linc Contro)? Hmm...

Man...I miss all that shit.

Current Mood:

nostalgic