Distance

Distance keeps people apart physically, and maintaining a relationship takes effort, be it bgr, friendship or kinship. It takes two hands to clap, so if effort is lacking on one side, there is nothing much that can be done. There are things that I really treasure, but sometimes its just not easy to hold on to them.

Wedding bells~ling ling ling~

Long time no blog!

As my close friends would have known by now (if i had the chance to talk to you), i am OFFICIALLY getting married in July 2010! Finally went to the geomancer to get an auspicious date (3 July). cos we simply couldn't wait for the new Tong Shu to be out as Ah C might be back in the US already.

So the last two weeks were spent researching on hotels, wedding and photography packages, wedding must-knows, and budgeting for our wedding.

After going to three different bridal shops, we finally signed a wedding package with My Dream Wedding! Its not the cheapest package around but I really love their photography styles and photo enhancing techniques! Their wedding gowns are nice too =) But yea, the actual selection of the wedding gowns will be 1-3months before the photoshoot (in Dec) and the wedding itself (July 2010), so haven't choose yet! Tried a few styles though and i conclude that.... I MUST REALLY LOSE WEIGHT AND GET TONER!

Then based on our estimated number of guests (min and max # of tables) and requirements (nice ballroom and good food), we shortlisted several hotels, including:
- Regent Hotel (under Four Seasons Group)
- Marriott
- Merchant Court
- Marina Mandarin
- Fullerton
We had some issues with the Intercontinental coordinator so dropped them.Don't like Sheraton Towers lobby and ballroom, so dropped them. Four Seasons was considered, but they can only accomodate max 32 tables, so dropped. Basically we are really keen on Fullerton, and will prob do a wedding lunch because most of the shortlisted hotels are already booked for dinner on 3 July (sat). Unless we don't mind the hassle of stretching the wedding to two days on 3rd and 4th July, we will prob settle everything in one day by doing a lunch banquet. Yeap yeap! and lunch seems to be rather popular nowadays too cos guests tend to arrive on time and do not need to rush off (cos its getting late) before dessert is served.

Oh yea, talking about planning the budget, seems like the wedding is going to cost us like 20k or so... and we realised that Ah C's miles will not expire as long as he continues charging to his card, so we decided its only practical to cancel my Nov US trip. Yea, gotta spend wisely from now on! Cos we might be getting a house too.... and it will cost us like prob 50k for the downpayment, renovation and furnishings.

And also after a thorough process of rationalising, I prob won't be going aussie for my studies next year. It will be wiser to wait till Ah C finish his BWC, get a higher pay before i start flying around with him. Ya lo... if not who's going to pay for my monthly insurance premiums, give allowance to my mummy and support my monthly maintenance. Also, if we get a house, we have to pay the monthly mortgage too! But don't worry Ning gal, i will still go aussie for holiday and visit u!

Getting married is so expensive!!! but as long as we are working towards our dream... i really think everything is worth it =)

USA Summer 2009

I am back from the United States and and despite the swine flu scare, the long 22-hour flight from Singapore to San Francisco and many not-so-enjoyable internal transfers within the U.S (security checks, transit times and flight delays), i had a great time throughout the whole trip =D

I did so many activities of different nature:

- hiked about 5hours, 900m up upper yosemite falls

- cycled 3 hours from fisherman's wharf to and across golden gate bridge and back

- attended a memorable Ring Dance in USAFA

- spent 5 luxurious days on board the Royal Carribean Cruise in the Carribean Sea

- played for four magical days in Walt Disney World and Seaworld in Orlando

- ate the best vietnamese food in my life at Lemongrass Bistro in C. Springs and is craving for more.

And the list goes on.... I want to write in detail about all that I did but I don't even know where to start with, so I decided not to, maybe i will just post some photos on FB or an online album (when I have set up one?). Or blog about it when i am really free and patient.

Anyway, I got to meet many of Ah C's friends when i went up to C. Springs. I am glad that my dear is surrounded by a group of really nice people who are very friendly and sincere and who made me felt very comfortable. I really wish I could talk to them more and get to know them better, but i guess i simply could not do away with my introvert personality, especially among people I have not known for long. Argh... I hope I did not appear arrogant or unfriendly to them as there is a tendency that people find me fierce on the first impression! Nevertheless, its good that my dear is in good company when I am not around =)

Hohoho... looking forward to more pho and thai iced tea should i visit again in November ~ =P

the strength of a kid's mind

To have to deal with the separation of your parents.
Being reprimanded for something which u feel was not your fault but you couldn't really say more to defend yourself.
Having to deal with your parents dating (someone else) once again.
The simple wish of having a happy family.
The yearn for freedom.
All these without showing it on your face, how strong can a kid get?

Quizno and Tully's

Yesterday, HM invited us(me, yingni and jac attended) to the Hungry Guppies Attack for a free tasting of Quizno sandwiches and Tully's coffee drinks! Trust me, its nothing like sub***, Quizno is way better!

The 'Attack' started with an introduction of Quizno and Tully's (such as where they originated from, their specialties, the process of making the sandwiches and drinks, and how they are different from others).

It wasn't long before we start our actual tasting..and of cos we got to try three of their best-selling sandwiches!

Zesty Grill Steak (My favourite!)
thinly-sliced beef steak, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, mushrooms and sauteed onions with honey bourbon mustard and zesty grille sauce

Classic Italian (hmm, a bit too salty for me)

salami, pepperoni, honey ham, mozerella cheese, black olives, lettuce, tomato, red onion with red wine vinaigrette

Mesquite Chicken (huge chunks of chicken with fresh greens!)

mesquite chicken, bacon, cheddat cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion with ranch dressing

We also got to try one of the classic sandwiches,

Smokey Chilli Turkey (a classic. love the crusty white bread with sesame seeds)

smoked turkey, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion with mild chipotle mayo and fresh cilantro

The generous portions of tasty meat and fresh greens served in a variety of bread toasted to a crispy-on-the-outside-and-soft-and -fluffy-on-the-inside perfection in their special toaster, were absolutely yummylicious.

In addition, you can help yourself to the free-flow pepper (jalapeno, pepperoni, etc) and sauce bar for additional filling to your sanwiches, though i say the sandwiches are good enough on their own.

Did I mention that the cookies are served warm such that the chocolate oozes out as you pull out a slice ot it? and they are so chewy you can't stop at one slice.

Tully's coffee were good too but if only we had bigger tasting portions! =P

I would definitely go back to Quizno and Tully's again. Sandwich lovers join me!

The ever social butterfly OYN

Not sure how it even started, but... conversation between YN and the taxi driver:

YN: Uncle you should visit some time ( referring to Timbre)
Uncle: No la, its past our time already
YN: where got, they play dancing queen you know
Uncle: haha they not original abbas, should play dancing king
(what?!?)

then dunno how... the conversation became like this...
Uncle: you diana rozz ah?
YN: no la...
uncle: or Pastor Kong's wife?
YN: haha that one not bad
Uncle: if I am her I won't get married to Paster Kong la. Her husband earn so much, she still must come out and sing
YN: but she like mah
Uncle: you know i attend their service before, service become go and hear her sing
YN: her mini concert mah
Uncle: if i am her i don't sing la, husband earn so much still come out and sing

and then the conversation evolves...
YN: wah uncle, still got city surcharge?
Uncle: ya got, the clock havent show 12 yet (pointing to the time on the satelite monitor)
YN: uncle can waive anot? 6 more minutes only...
Uncle: cannot la, the meter automatic one, if i give u discount i spoil market
YN: oh.. cannot never mind la, try bargain only. don't worry about it
(Just before alighting)
Uncle: ok i waive for you (the meter showing $10.10), you just give me $10, give you 10cent discount
(-_- first time take taxi can "bargain" one...)

something interesting to share

Please see video at

http://www.kktv.com/home/headlines/43463402.html#

!!!