Quintessentially Me

100 Days of Soul Cleansing

2011-10-10T20:51:00.000+08:00

I've been trying to restrain myself from over spending on impulsive online shopping. So have devised a plan to rid myself of the compulsion. 100 days of mixing and matching a revamped (I just cleared a ton of stuff -- the clothes literally weigh a ton!) wardrobe consisting of vintage and newly flung off the interweb shelves clothes). Today's Day 1.

Olive nails on Brown

Polka dotted comfort

awkward smile, just for you :)

Rewind

2011-09-22T21:00:00.001+08:00

Just a peek into the past couple weeks.

We took a short break, away from the mundane and duties of everyday life and had a one night-er in a neighbourhood which blended the old and new quite nicely. The small but creatively positioned pool provided some much needed cooling off.

This small cake shop situated ideally just a stone's throw away from our one night-er had cakes which killed us. We went back on both days just to stuff our faces with sweet sweet treats. ooh. I'm salivating now just recalling our experience there. Service was excellent too.

Home brewed :)

birds of a feather...

2011-09-01T09:29:00.007+08:00

"is that a cloud? a heart? a cloudy heart?"

We caught the opening of swan lake (on ice) this Tuesday. It was an amazing night of swishy, flowy skirts and form fitting shapes. We gasped and held our breaths as they leaped into the air, doing twists and turns (i have no idea what are the technical names of the moves).... turns that didn't stop for a while. I wasn't even aware that humans were able to do some of the things I saw.

The performance was limited only by the size of the stage, or rather, ice. A couple of skaters ran out of room to slow down and had to abruptly jump to the side of the stage to stop. Let it be known and remembered that (if possible), we shall watch our performances at the esplanade and any other venues from now on.

peek... a li'l boo..

2011-08-31T10:14:00.006+08:00

kinda miss blogging.. the act of penning thoughts down (or rather typing it into the concrete-ness of virtuality) and the nostalgia experienced when reading dusty old posts from way back when.

just imagine me stretching out my fingers, getting accustomed to the keyboard (of the computer) once again, typing out this post while looking back at the last posts dated almost 2 years ago.. i myself wonder how long i'll keep this up (:

while i'm at it, some pictures to remind me of these days

an almost weekly ritual - a somewhat quiet hideout, right smack in the heart of our neighbourhood

notice the very useful fan without any blades - it actually looks quite aesthetically pleasant - as is the case of most things looking good and not actually being of any good use.

2009-10-05T13:54:00.007+08:00

"Are you the second mother Theresa?"

This sounded mildly sarcastic to me. Having a new colleague asking me if I've 'a thing against money'. The reason being? I was sharing with him why I left my previous occupation and why I decided to 'come into something like this when I'm so young'.

Not a nice way to start the week, eh. Or anything.

Strangely, I still enjoy it here. Observing and learning what they are doing. What I'll be doing in future.

Talk about irony.

A simple reminder about vineyards, a more laid back time in our lives and a big THANK YOU for going through this journey with me. Right from the very start :)

Class 95 is playing Serena's 'I'd fall in love with you'

2009-09-16T02:01:00.000+08:00

It's true you know. Once you've had it, your life changes. When you didn't have it, it didn't matter 'cos you didn't know what you've missed. I miss you.

And.
I'm looking forward to Thursday :)
Gambatte!

Coming Clean

2009-08-18T11:06:00.003+08:00

ok. so what happened was..

I started running again.

And I was enjoying it. In every way I possibly could.

Then it struck.

That pain above the knees.

I don't know what the hell it's called.

But it hurts! My knees would scream everytime I'd squat, sit or stand.

So I stopped. running.

For 2 weeks.

I'll be looking for new shoes today.

And a new training plan. Might've been too ambitious the last time.

Bleahh.. I'm becoming a softeeee...

2009-08-17T21:18:00.002+08:00

I don't say this enough -

"Thank you for being with me through thick & thin."

Growing up is hard to deal with. For me that is.

I have a problem taking on responsibility, dealing with authority.

I've always been a rebel. Or tried to be. In my own way.

Questions popping in my mind haven't been the most pleasant ones.

Growing up is hard to do, but I've gotta do it.

And I've the best role model for it.

Loving you :)

Started...

2009-08-03T17:46:00.001+08:00

Half marathon training. Strangely I haven't signed up for any races nor do I have the intention to. My ultimate goal with this new training is merely to tone up, increase my cardio fitness and yes, when it all boils down to it, fit into my favourite pair of jeans comfortably. Another motivation will also be to run in Sweden and Spain at the end of the year. Hah. Weird as it may sound, running in sub-zero temperatures does appeal to me.

Running Buddy 2.

Logged: 3km
Not taking time this week :)

2009-07-30T20:53:00.001+08:00

We've been bringing Bagel to ecp last few weekends. This past Sunday, thanks to friends for transportation & dogsitting, we were able to have a go at windsurfing! I love it, for the novelty of it. But it was a disastrous attempt on my part. Baby, on the other hand, did very well!

Happiness is...

The Everyday

2009-07-21T15:09:00.001+08:00

My babe taking timeout to recharge. Poor thing has been sleeping less than 6hrs on average each night. Doesn't sound like a big deal but it all adds up. Anyhow, I'm noting this down because I want to remember this feeling of satisfaction I have with you by my side, after a day at work, doing things we both believe so much in.

Satisfaction

2009-07-16T21:52:00.006+08:00

First week is drawing to an end. I am enjoying myself, interacting with the kids. After the first day, it hit me, the adults there have got more problems than the kids. Some people just can't socialize properly. Anyhow, it is currently a temp position, so I shan't jinx anything by saying more. Just one last comment - the 'thing' that was lacking in my last job, I think I found 'it' here. That sense of fulfillment, the feeling of achievement, nothing can compare to it.

Bagel has recovered. Settling into our new routine. There is a change in his feed timing and poop timing, due to my new schedule. We are still bringing him out daily, just at different timings. He gets a little impatient and hence, chewy and restless at times but he's back, good as new and better than before! In fact, we brought him to East Coast Park on Sunday and he had such a ball of time. Pictures to be uploaded later.

To Me, He's Not Just A Pet

2009-07-10T13:58:00.000+08:00

I'm sure many people feel the same way about their beloved canines. I have come to realized Bagel boy isn't a mere pet/companion to us. The entire family is in a controlled state of panic, if that isn't an oxymoron for you there. Everyone was calling & texting one another, asking about his condition and updates. After a whole morning of diahorea, vomit and anxious mama figures, we finally got hold of our regular pet taxi and made it to the vet!

We (Bagel & I) are now at the clinic, where he's kept under observation. Raging fever coupled with a lack of energy is a definite cause of alarm. I can only hope that he'll get better soon, start eating, drinking and that this scare is nothing more than a sensitive stomach dealing with a change in diet.

Got Heart

2009-07-09T13:22:00.006+08:00

Remember this?

Went for the first interview I was called up for. Just 2 words to describe how I'm feeling now : Got Heart.

Looking through the pictures of the travels we've been on, I realized I haven't actually looked at the pictures after taking them. And upon viewing, I am counting my lucky stars. We've been so fortunate to have been on so many great trips together. Having all these adventures and experiencing a great deal of new. Life will never be the same without you, my dear. Thanks for being by my side :)

-update_

Just received a call from them. I'm starting on a temp position this coming Monday. Yay!

A series of unfortunates

2009-07-08T09:31:00.001+08:00

At the end of it all, what is it that truly matters? ...

The fact that you get to your final destination or that you've experienced more nonsense, more unexpected twists & turns than anyone?

My journey started from Bishan, heading towards Sgn Nth - took the wrong bus, and thought I was still on a bus towards the right direction, turns out, I was wrong. Big deal, it still ended up gg close to sgn nth. I alighted near sgn mrt - realized there was no more money in my ez link. Searched for coins. No cash at all. Walked to the mrt, in an attempt to top up the card, first machine couldn't read my card, second machine couldn't accept nets. Third time's the charm. I'm now on the bus home. Wonder what could happen next.

Drawing an End

2009-07-07T11:02:00.005+08:00

Got a call for an interview.. THE call I've been anticipating.

Will be heading down to tender. I cannot wait to finally draw an end to that phase in my life. No regrets, no reservations, all bridges burnt. Almost.

Baby played an excellent game on Sunday. They came in 2nd overall. Such a pity there are so many Ka-Yu referees who are allowed to ref important ladies' matches. Also a pity some of her teammates lost heart halfway through the finals. It's easy for a spectator to say such things, but if only they believed they could do it... never undermine the importance of a good leader and coach.

A Routine?

2009-07-01T20:48:00.000+08:00

I got replies for 2 interviews!!

In other news.. Been bringing the boy down to the dogrun almost every morning this week. He's enjoying it tremendously. Already, he has a reputation of being the social butterfly there, always instigating play and seeking humans out for pets and scratches and today he won the 1st prize for most camera ready pup of the run. Always posing for the cameras.

Big headed doggie pic.

Character Traits

2009-06-29T11:56:00.005+08:00

Seems like all I'm writing about these days are trivialites of Bagel.

People often mistake him for a girl because

They hear us call him "_?gerl"
Bagel is an intelligent puppy and will get into the submissive position (belly-up) in the face of bigger male dogs e.g. Full grown Huskies.
He loves attention and always wants to be scratched/pet
He has pretty small eyes like yours truly

Ok, I was kidding about the last point, but I do think he has quite a feminine character because he is such a little cutie when he wants attention. He doesn't bark for it, he mopes around, secretly eyeing me and sighing when first ignored and then finally coming even nearer.

In Love

2009-06-27T23:25:00.005+08:00

Our boy was pooped after his first visit to the groomers. First time he slept in our room. The a/c was on, so we thought he might be cold...

We signed him up for obedience training today! I'm so excited. But am also feeling the pinch of it. Didn't realize it'd cost so much! Call us suckers but like true blue anxious mommies, we felt it was a reasonable amount to part with for a lifetime of love with li'l rascal here.

Remembering a Friend

2009-06-23T00:10:00.000+08:00

We were teammates. You are the most understanding, unassuming, non-judgemental person I know. I got to know you slightly better during our ecp runs where you'll always cheer me on and being such an obliging girl, the only one who would accompany me to ecp to run. Thank you for being in my life and touching my heart.

Lots of love, Fang.

Celebrating You

2009-06-20T19:23:00.000+08:00

Happy 25th my dear! & Many more to come. I love you, as with most people who know you. You are such a unique individual, someone who continually shares and cares for others, you are really one in a million. It's been an honor & pleasure to have known you. This year, it's all about celebrating you. Hope you enjoyed yourself - despite the drawbacks :)

The Quintessentials of Life

2009-06-14T01:28:00.000+08:00

It's taking a while for me to kick into gear. Somewhere along the way, the motivation to run, swim & be active was lost into the wind. Been trying to find that 'mojo' to run again... This sounds so familiar.

Job wise, still seeking, sending out resumés and awaiting replies. Looks like patience is key to an impulsive career switch. Oh and add budgeting your finances as strictly as possible to that as well.

Lately, we've been settling into baby's new home and getting Bagel acustomed to his permanent home. The family loves him, so far. And that feeling is obviously mutual. He's such a people-dog. Always ready to greet anyone with wags and licks.

Little rascal's first day @ the playground. He has learnt to pose for the camera!

P.S. I haven't felt this fortunate & contented before. With you, it seems like life is complete. You complete me. Thank you for loving me & always being there, ready to catch me if I fall. I love you.

The First

2009-06-09T01:04:00.000+08:00

It's been a wonderful first, baby. 'Wonderful' being the word I could use because there's no single word to describe how you make me feel, how it is to have you beside me, how you complete me.

Here's to many more to come :)

It Feels like Home

2009-06-04T17:56:00.004+08:00

He's fit right in. To our lives. To our home. And most importantly, in our hearts. Home seems even more complete now (if it's possible), with our toasty one. With the mealtimess, poops and leaks, things get tiring around here (we've been having late nights & early morns); but its all worth it when he sits patiently in our laps with your arms around me, in front of the tv.

It seems like Bagel has made himself right at home.

Adapting

2009-06-03T13:39:00.001+08:00

I may be more than a little prejudiced when I swoon about what a lovable li'l pup he is. Not always well behaved, but you'll be able to sense that he's all about pleasing you. Only exceptions are when he gets carried away with biting hands , an issue we're trying to address. Still slightly tentative when relieving himself, we're giving him treats and lots of praise when he goes at the right place, making a big loud hoohah when he doesn't (while he's going).

Quite a pleasant surprise: We realised he had light grey eyes only when we brought him home.

Our boy with his favourite toy, Lamby. (What'd I say about the baby-talk) And how do you not get a tug at the heart string with that face of his. It makes all the cleaning up and early waking all worth it. Especially when I'm doing all this with you :)

Bagel's First day

2009-06-01T23:06:00.000+08:00

He settled in pretty quickly, cheeky bugger has quite an inquisitive nature. Loves human interaction and has responded to his name & basic instructions like 'sit' & 'sleep'. Baby & I go over the moon everytime he does it right, praising and swooning over him in baby talk.

All in all, a day to remember, always. I think we did alright ;)

Much ado about Nothing

2009-05-31T21:53:00.001+08:00

"I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest." - Lady Beatrice

Saturdays

2009-05-30T23:25:00.001+08:00

It seems as though we've settled into a comfortable routine of exercise and catch ups with friends over weekends. It amazed me how naturally we got to this level of comfort.

After dinner, after dessert, coffee time!

Today, I learnt that im a sore loser. Taking things in stride were never in my nature. I hate not being good at the things I do. Now all that's left, is for me to learn to be good at things I do.

Finally, Bagel has been certified healthy (save a few ticks) by Jo! What a sigh of relief. So the plan is to fetch him from the pet shop on Mon, right on schedule :)

Note: Bagel was cheekier, more active and was play-biting more today.

A Rare Find

2009-05-28T18:26:00.001+08:00

Dear Bagel,

We think we've finally found you. At the upper serangoon pet shop named Bow Wow, where the keepers & groomers are obviously passionate animal ppl and have taken wonderful care of you for the last 2 weeks before we met you.

Your coat was more well brushed than my hair! You were a little tentative when we first saw you. Kept very still when the groomer held you in his arms. But once you were placed on the floor, your inquisitive, active nature took over. You were pouncing and sniffing everywhere, we held you in our arms to calm you down and were superbly amused by your little rotund, well fed tum tum.

Ever since that initial meeting, we've only grown to love you more. We'll be picking you up on Monday but we'll be back to see you at Bow Wow as often as we can before Monday arrives. You've captured our hearts, you little devil. We'll make sure we discipline you well so you'll remain our perfect Bagel.

Bagel with Baby - 28th May 09

Bagel with Me - 28th May 09

A new beginning

2009-05-28T14:11:00.001+08:00

I've had alot of new beginnings. Everyday to me, is a new beginning. This new blog as started probably, out of impulse, out of curiosity, and maybe even a sense of paranoia. All 3 seemingly valid reasons to start a new blog where I'll be jotting down mundane events of my life.

Like hippos under a tree in a water hole, time has been in abundance. I'm enjoying this sense of freedom but the end is near.. I can feel it approaching. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Kruger National Park May'09

Hello

2009-05-27T10:25:00.000+08:00

Testing.