Welcome 2010

Though 2009 ended with me mostly visiting the doctors and being hospitalized and then followed by a surgery on the first week of 2010, I shouldn't think of it as a bad entry to 2010 but rather a good one with the renewed outlook to healthier living.

Ironically, being the Year of the Tiger, this one took a nibble on the Pig in me.

Sweet Life Of Mine

The difference of my being in Germany three years ago is that despite having no helper and no full time work, I HAD time to blog. Could it be boredom, homesickness or weather that gave me the motivation to keep writing my thoughts? Although those can't really be the reason. I'm not that shallow. (I think hehe)

Perhaps the kids were younger---had less demands to be educated and entertained. Or was there more life to write about. Nope, also not. I have a life here too, in fact, more than I could handle. aha! that's it, I'm just too busy juggling dear daily life and living it.

Whew!

Whatchamacallit

The problem with working with nice people?---You care for and don’t like to abuse them. Every leave or absence that has never been questioned makes it difficult to ask for the next one. Exactly what happened a week ago: My supposedly short trip with the fam to Phuket has just been extended. My boss found out I was shortening my stay just to be back at work and voila! He told me I can take the full break the fam has.        Ok, it has been agreed since the beginning that I either work 4 long days or 5 short days and I can take offs anytime (without pay) so I really shouldn’t feel bad right?  oh, but I do!  A case of unnecessary guilt I guess.

Thing is, I know how the office works and we are given roles to play. My colleague being the BIIIG numbers cruncher can’t really be bothered by the mere zeros on my files so I run more the admin and she, the finance. A bit of minimal crunching on my side when it gets hectic.  The big guy has also for the past months regarded me as his right hand correspondent which has since changed my role.  Sometimes I wonder what exactly my job title is but what the heck, what matters is I'm happy and have more freedom.

Hmmm, it's like at home: cook, plumber, security guard etc etc...job title?    

Hero.

Today's a day

Today marked the first time our office opened for nothing. With the internet system down, our hands were tied. Email, Fax and worse, the day’s business is at risk. The market changes fast and that can cost a lot when you want to buy or sell shares. First world marketing with “fourth” world service as my colleague would put it. No more comment.

But as it is, a disadvantage to one is an advantage to another---the latter to me. It’s lunch time and my boss told me that I’m useless in the office for the day so he said that I could go off early. Woohoo! I never thought being useless could be useful ha ha

With my paycheck on hand and a half-day’s work, where do you think I’m going?

Here of course.

Procrastination @ its best

There are not enough hours in a day at the moment to fit in what I've been planning to do and have been wanting to write. House, family, work, friends, even pets...there's always something brewing so this is the result---a collection of 'have beens'.

Come Feb 21 we marked our 11th year. The day was for the kids, the night was ours. It was the same day of the Swiss school's family day too but on the last minute, we decided not to go because the clouds were signalling bad weather. True enough, it rained bad around noon. The rest of the day was spent lazing at home and  by 7 pm, A and I took the night-off. We went to Senso Ristorante & Bar and had a wonderful meal with the sommelier's recommended red wine. Before that, we passed by the mall and picked-up a nice pair of white gold earrings with smoked Quartz stones. I wasn't expecting anything given the flow of expenses.

Feb 22 was the Swiss Club's Mardi Gras event. The children opted to go for the military look. We met with some friends and enjoyed the sinful buffet, games and magic shows. A had to fly to Hong Kong so he left after 2 hours while I ran around with the kids to finish the obstacle games. Though it was an action-packed event, I got lucky and ended it having a Malaysian massage recommended by the driver of my boss.   It was great! She nailed every single strained muscle I had. 

Feb 28 was Alyanna's school spiel at the SwissHotel. They have been practising the Mama Mia hits for weeks. 

It's the second week of March and I feel like rushing myself on writing the next ones before the past takes the best of my memory :-)

Home

This is our new place. Tomorrow marks our first month here and so far, everything has been smooth. We've all adjusted well and feel more at ease over here. The style of the house is really more homely and kind of something I'd like to live longer in. 

We've been planning to get-to-know our neighbors but neither weekends nor weekdays were free for such a brief hello. Since the move in, we've been busy fixing-up, juggling activities to spend time with the kids, work, trips, and social life have filled-up the past 4 weekends but we've spent them well. The present and future to do's may be overwhelming but it is what it is. A household never stops running...or does it?

@ Sixth Crescent

We finally selected and confirmed the tenancy agreement to our new home for the next two years. It's not as big as the one we currently live in now but I prefer its more homely design. Not that I'm complaining with the old one---this house always gave the wow factor to whoever saw it. With its high ceilings and looong design, its quite impressive. However, after living in such, I want to go back to the traditional feel and cut of a regular house.

Close to the school of the little ones, very accessible to public transportation and an open field for our dear dog Jake---it's a good choice. Of course we're now half an hour's drive to the airport than 12 mins. and biking to the East Coast Park is no longer possible, but hey---you win some, you lose some right?

Now it's time for the next phase...moving in, moving out!

Never too late

I have a lot of catching-up to do--- but as unpredictable and full daily schedules can be, I fall short of my own resolution to be more consistent with writing. House hunting, work, Doctor appointments, being weekend entertainer for the kids with A ladidadida...

Ha! I'm trying to find an excuse for lack of diligence to write...tsk tsk tsk

It's NEW Year my dear, IT'S NEW YEAR...

An adventurous 2009 lies ahead...good luck!

A month of house-hunting again

Hunting for houses has its exciting moments but it's getting to be tiring these past few days. Going round and about in the traffic nowadays doesn't give me any pleasure as my motion sickness takes over.  Lease will be expiring soon and time's flying fast. The decision to either extend for another month or move out in a few weeks have to be done before the year ends. 

We've viewed at least 15 properties---a combination of condominiums, terrace houses and semi-detached ones. I was hoping to this time get a good-cut condo because of the facilities but it's turning out to be not appropriate for us. Some of the terrace houses (can have pool facilities) have been pretty appealing but the asking prices were too expensive for what we think it's worth. So, the list so far has zoomed-in to more houses again. 

I've short-listed 2/3 from what we've seen and hopefully in the next few days a decision can be made so that I can start planning and contacting contractors, movers, utility issues, kindergarten, renovation dates and so on.

geeesh, just 3 years ago I came here for 5 days to do this?! now the whole circus starts again...

After the doldrums comes well-being

Even before the Christmas season began, I have gained quite an amount of flesh. Not that I'm really horrendously looking but hey, I've managed to be "underweight for my motherly age and frame" of which my doctor has strongly scolded me for. Explaining that my obsession on being thin is wrong. Me being prescribed appetite stimulants is definitely alarming. Though honestly, I wasn't really concerned with it. I just thought I looked fine and happily FIT size 36 clothes, weighing 56 kgs and getting praises from people. So I ignored the seldom (becoming often) dizziness.   You'd see my past posts with me all over and looking okay.     Twas because I was still fine...except the negativity around me.

End 2006 til Q3 2007 it was alright until I started psyching myself to lose more. Guilty of typical human thinking and discontent. But as true as what my mother told me long time ago, the body CAN ONLY take as much (abuse) as it can, then it'll decide when to give up. And yes, it did....(back to first paragraph)

"Practice what you preach." ahhh, the famous quote. I'm supposed to know how CRASH dieting can be damaging to one's body. How healthier it is to lose slowly but surely---I used to scold people for not doing so?! I was a fitness trainer wasn't I? bad, bad me. 

I don't fit a size 36 now, but I fit a 38-40. I think I'm fine with that temporarily and let's see how I progress after this feasting season. At least I'm not having dizzy spells and feelings of blackout.

There are reasons of why such stages in life happen. You go through it and live it. Either succumb to or overcome it.   Then begin again...It's probably the circle of life I have to live.

Not like picking apples

I'm seeing RED! No, I'm not mad, I'm just on the hunt for red shoes. 

What I thought would be an easy task given the number of malls and selection in this shopping island is turning out to be a challenge. 

My workplace being in Orchard saves me alot of time and money commuting around as I do my shopping after work. I have roamed around shops in the area for 2 weeks now and have tried lots of pairs but in vain so far. Either there's no size or it's not the red I'm looking for.  

oh well...patience is a virtue.

just one of those days

I was so upset this morning on the way to work. I had to let 4 trains pass-by before I could squeeze in. Terrible. What's worse is, people are insensitive. They can't even keep their bags where no one would be pushed or scratched by it!

I was victimized today by one lady's handbag. I was wondering what kept on poking my waist irritatingly and when I turned to see HER bag causing it, I told her to "please" move it away a bit. The creature, probably having a bad day raised her voice telling me, "so where?!, so where?! you see so tight olreydi"-----the passengers looked and frowned at her as I shook my head in disbelief and asking WHY are we breathing the same air?

I had two choices:

(a) to waste airtime arguing and be like her or (b) move away and say ommm...

I like...

Call me shallow but I'm so taken with the MOTORAZR2 V9, my new toy. I specially like the thought that it's new and mine. Told ya--shallow :-)

Yeah--the cheap, economical me always opted for A's 6 month old ones and strongly convinced to keep my prepaid number forever. But forgetfulness gets me everytime, leading to not having enough credits to accept calls he he. So A offered to get me a line once and for all.  

I've been fumbling with it for 2 days now and I still can't figure out how to change the alert tone for receiving messages! We're not talking blackberry/iphone stuff here but I can't seem to find that in the user's guide. Talk about prehistoric me. Help, anyone? 

Something New

I have a new job. This time literally a part-time position unlike the previous one I had. That position was only spelled correctly in the contract but I guess it meant differently to some people a.k.a. the female boss. Parting ways wasn't sweet but it wasn't something to grieve for either. I gained friends which was worth the year's stay.

The current job is different from what I'm used to. I don't deal with people everyday. I think this is what I need for now---no people to neither stress nor think of. The phone is more of a display on my desk than a must have--now that's new. The PC is my companion which I dearly appreciate. No debate. It does what I want it to do. Schedule is nice. Depending on the hours, 6 for five days or 7 for four. A week's notice just so I can arrange my domestic schedules as well.

The boss comes in around 10:30 in the morning, makes some calls, leaves for lunch at 12:30, comes back around 2 to just sign some stuff then leaves at 3:30-4. He's a nice man as far as my past week's work is concerned. My colleague who has been there for four years said that if he stays longer than 4:30 pm, she calls it overstaying. Most of the letters I see are from the highest ranking people of the island. Dinners, galas, charity balls and whatever events I usually just see in the magazines. He and his wife have their personal drivers and has a 33,000 square feet residence area. Who and what exactly he is (they are)...I don't know. None of my business. I come and go as well.

I just started less than a week ago so I can't say I'm enjoying it but at least, I'm not hating it. When I do, I'm not locked on a contract and just a three days notice in advance is required. Only shows that some people DO know the meaning of part time huh?

B for BUSY

Busy has many faces and I have worn them all for the past weeks. Running around the city has been overwhelming. My sister's vacation and job hunting schedules and interviews kept us on our feet every single day. whew!

Jurist and her family's visit (MIL FIL and SIL included) have been a great shopping experience. With the 2008 Great SINGAPORE Sale ---It was SHOP & THE CITY---with me being the window shopper for better(er) bargains haha Dine outs and evening chitchats are enjoyable.

Despite all the busy schedules, time with my kiddos comes first. And if I can put pleasure and other chores together, the better! Efficiency at its best.

We've gone to the usual places but the company is priceless! Reminiscing childhood memories at the toy MINT museum, eating like there's no tomorrow at the Jumbo Restaurant @ the East Coast Seafood Center, Bar hopping at Clarke Quay and exploring Sentosa are just some of the few rounds we've made.

One rare moment, I'm running OUT of words!!!---too much going on!

Sibling Arrival (ry)

Ever since sister number three arrived, days seemed to have been very full. Fuller than my usual that is. And it has been great! As I mentioned before, having family over is a blessing.

Pilates and dieting, afternoon biking and power walking, GSS (Great Singapore Sale) temptations, meeting with friends, possible job opportunities and on and on and on...and a week has passed. Luckily, weather in this island still seem to be cooperating for us to be able to do our outdoor plans and roaming around in comfort. I wish it stays this way when sister number two and her family arrive on Sunday for their GSS stopover. They're coming with her MIL and SIL as well, who'll be staying in a hotel in the middle of the shopping fever and I can't wait to get-together.

Imagine the NOISE and CHAOS---saya!

Smiles and Laughters

When you have family, visitors never cease to arrive! I am blessed to have LOTS!

Just two months ago, sister number four and hubby were here. Twas a great time filled with roaming around and munching! To be with food adventurers is one great way to experience Singapore!

Starting this week, in three days, sister number 3 will be arriving. Four more days and our helper will be back! Two more weeks and sister number 2 and family will be having a 4-day stopover here before heading to Phuket! Four more weeks and MIL and her sister, Karin, will be coming---whew!
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On another topic: it's YouTube time.

There are shows that make me laugh and there are those that make me cry. This one's the latter. Find out why and cry with me.

Steak- ala-Tania

Yesterday, my son's girlfriend, Tania, cooked dinner for all of us. Her 3-month school break has begun and she wanted to surprise Rex before she gets busy with her part-time job. Isn't that nice?

Dinner preparation began around 6:30. I asked our helper to assist but give her the freedom to use anything she needs. Trying to find utensils, pots and pans in a kitchen not your own can be very challenging.

As the cooking went on, I took the little ones for a bike ride and when we came back, we utilized the corners of our sofas for some reading time. I browsed thru magazines as the little ones played "Old Maid". Meanwhile, Rex was probably asked to stay up in his room until dinner was served.

After almost two hours of cooking, we were surprised with a well presented plate of veggies and meat (beef rib eye, tenderloin and sirloin) topped with mushroom and oyster sauce---steaks to suit everyone's taste. Tasty. Tender. Juicy. Well done!

*A, came around after everyone had just finished and had his portion of good home cooking as well.*

The usual

What is so wrong with asking questions that men hate doing it? They would rather get lost and waste precious gas as they drive around in circles,--sometimes even getting farther and farther from the location they want to go to.

They cause delay in simple subway/train ticket machines because they DON'T ask. They end-up buying expensive stuff because they DON'T ask. They even pay for services beyond their budget because they DON'T ask?!

Men...

Didn't burn the pockets

Went to Orchard this morning on a mission---to hunt for shoes and bags that are on sale today from Salvatore Ferragamo. Got-up early as planned just so we can beat the crowd of other SF fanatics and also managed to let my neighbor know about it, just in time for her to join our little shopping adventure.

It was almost half past ten when we arrived and the queue was getting long fast. There were people checking our entry passes, "as if the whole country didn't have the Isetan Privilege card?! " Oh, I stand corrected, my friend doesn't have it yet so we had to inform the checker that she's our guest. Though I actually think it really would not make any difference except that they wanted to make it look and feel "exclusive".

Finding at least two styles to my liking, the next challenge was to find my size. Most of the shoes were a size 6 or 7 which made me and my other friend quite disappointed. But, no point dwelling on what's not meant for us right? Instead, our attention turned onto the selection of chic neckties they had.

Minutes later, we were off to TCC for supposedly a coffee break, which smoothly transformed into another shopping adventure. I saw a couple of nice stuff but I declined the urge to buy now. My Philippine trip consisted of shopping as well, so.....let's say, next week ;-)