Christmas APPROACHING !!!!!

Christmas IS really around the corner. I can't believe how fast it is approaching until our first Christmas Party at my FIL's place last night. With the gift exchanging and the delicious meal that my Step MIL served, it hit me with "Wow, just 4 more days and it's Christmas !!!" And we have not even complete our Christmas shopping yet... guess it's going to be another mad rush this weekend. Thank Goodness during our 1st round of Christmas shopping, Paul didn't misbehave and protest to the shopping list that Sommer gave us or it'll really be blood all over the mall. I hope on our 2nd round of Christmas shopping, he'll be well behave too.

1st Christmas party came and went in a flash and it was a great party ! With hosts and invited guests such as my FIL, my step MIL, my step sister (who is my Step MIL's daughter), my step MIL's mother, Kristie's family (my ex-SIL) which includes her current husband, Kristie's 3 beautiful girls. I must admit when I saw her 3 yr old running around, I do have the sudden urge to have one myself. Hmmm... need to erase such thought for now. Anyway back to the guest list, then we have the always fun-loving Sommer and her superb funny husband - Pete and our family, it is impossible to spoilt a fun party. Yah, I reckon some of you are confused by the guest list by now hahaha

Another great party that I am looking forward to is the Christmas Eve party at Sommer's place. One thing for certain, Sommer never disappoint me when she's throwing a party. She always have the theme, the deco and the food all incredibly plan and set-up. I mean gosh, she had proved her party throwing skills during the Halloween Party and I am still spell bound by the deco and the food she prepared. Yah, I am super excited about this party. I remember the last Christmas Party she threw and it was splendid. I didn't pay too much attention to the deco or the food then cause it was my first Christmas Party with Paul's family and I'm still wrapped up and a wee bit of intimidated with everyone's presence. So this time I'll definately pay more attention to everything that's happening around me. Oh, my MIL have arrive safely in Florida from her drive from North Carolina. I am very glad and relief that she arrived safely.

Oh, Paul is off on Sat, Sun, Mon and Tues. That is 4 solid days straight for us to spend with each other. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing but I am wishing on my pinkie toe that we'll not slaughter and rip off each other's neck during this period.

UPDATE ON HOUSE - Many of you have wrote to me pertaining to the status of the house. Well, due to some reasons, we have changed our Mortage Company from the Builder's own to our Realtor's Mortage Office. As we just swap the company on Monday and with the holiday season approaching, we're most likely to hear from them in 2 weeks time. So meantime we're still praying and waiting. Pray for us too.....

Incase I never get the opportunity to update my blog during this period, I hereby wish everyone a MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!! Loads of Love and Kisses from my family to yours =) CHEERSSSSSSSS !!!!!!!!!!

I'm back...

Hi Folks,

Apologies for not updating my blogs for the past couple of days. There have been some major turbulance and intense hickup during this period but thanks to Sommer, the wave had died down.... and she have saved the dreadful situation.

Anyway, back to now.... Yes, we're still waiting on the status of the house but because we have some issue with the builder's mortage division, we have decided to change and apply mortage with our Realtor's company instead. So now the ball is on our Realtor's court and hopefully we can hear some of his progress by coming Monday.

Another on the "To-do-list" is the Chrismas shopping. Yah, I admit I or we have been rather sluggish with this project. Honestly, it's not a project/mission that I look forward to especially my shopping buddy, consultant and reassurance buddy is my husband - Paul. His answer and solution for gifts to all ages and all sexes are breakdown as follows :-

For Man = T-shirts or Shorts
For Woman = Home Decoration items or Candles
For Teenagers = again, T-shirts

Seriously, I even wonder if he had even heard or been exposed to the term of "Catering to individual needs".

Again, my saviour, my SIL - Sommer had saved my day and gave me a superb and detailed list of every individual family member's preference and likes. Yes, NO MORE running around in the mall like a headless chicken, NO MORE wondering and self questioning of "Would they like it ? Would they use it ? or Why the hell did I even buy this for them to begin with ?"

Hopefully, my stubborn/rebellious husband will stick to the list or I assure you, there'll be blood splattering all over the mall and the News Headline would read "Wife break Husband's neck in Mall with her own bare hands".

Regardless, have a splendid weekend & May the force be with us or rather Me ! =)

Mondayyyyyyy

IT'S OVER !!! Nagara Falls had stopped flowing after 2 days of mad dash. YES, I do get lucky once in a while.

It's Monday, the beginning of another week of waiting for the Mortage Office and I wonder how much longer it's going to take. Strange as it seems, the Sales Office advised us that we can look forward to move in either by last week of Dec 07 or 1st week of Jan 08 and already we're on 2nd week of Dec and I can't help but wonder "Hmm... it's just going to another week to get all these waiting to be done and over with ????!!!"

Beside waiting for the news on the house, I'm also counting down to Feb 08. YESSSSS !!!! My ultimate plan to return back to Singapore in mid Feb 08. Another 2 more months to go and it's back to Singapore soil. I can't believe that I've been in the US for about a yr now... Just last Christmas, I was spending Christmas at Paul's mother's place in North Carolina and now I address her as my MIL. How insane is that ???!!!

Oh, before I even think about Singapore, I'm excited that Christmas is just around the corner. YES !!! Another party at my SIL - Sommer's house is something for me to be excited about cause she always throw some great party with the yummy-licious food that come along. Did I mentioned that my MIL is coming down from North Carolina to be here with all of us ??!! Yah, that'll be double the fun. How weird is it for me to be looking forward to spend time with my SIL and MIL. I know some of my friends hate the thought of even being near their in-laws and the husband's side of the family. But for me, it always promise some good, fun time with them.

Yah, with my behaviour, my insane way of thinking and speech power, my mom still pray that I will get along well with my in-laws and SIL.

My stand is "I rather get whipped for being the person that I am than to be worship for being the person that I'm not".

Friday...

It's been 2 days since the last I heard from the Mortage Lady. I reckon she must have got everything she wanted and needed from us that's why she had stop harrassing us ??!!

CURRENT STATUS OF HOUSE : Not Sure. Still waiting for the process of the documents and approval from the mortage department. Presume she/they're still working on it.

CURRENT MISSION : Still praying. Fingers and toes a little sore and deform from all the crossing but figure it'll all worth it at the end of the day.

CURRENT EMOTION : Still pacing and walking around in circles and wonder when we can hear from the Mortage office.

CURRENT MOOD LEVEL OF GOD'S : Reckon he have "had it" with my praying and want a break and some peace from me and also "speechless" about my questions of "When, How much longer and again When".

It's friday and that means weekend is less than 24hrs away. Something to be excited about cause I can spend some time with Paul, to harrass and torment him for 2 days straight. Something not that exciting - my "Auntie Mary" paid a visit yesterday and she brought along her sister "Auntie Lucy" with her and I mean it's double impact and double intense heavy flow... yah, imagine Nagara Falls in me....

P/S : Tricia, we've used the term "Auntie Mary" our entire life and I realised that we're the constant victims of heavy, double duty, "pipes bursting" type of flow. I like to think that "Auntie Mary" came with her Sister which explains the double impact. But Paul think that "Auntie Mary" brought her entire family with her.

I think we need to come up with a name for "Auntie Mary"'s sister. Somehow the name "Auntie Lucy" popped into my head. Give me a suggestion or some funky name that come to your head hahahaha

PP/S : Yah, all the waiting is making me looooooney !

More,more,more .....

It's Day 4 since we signed the contract for the house and every single day the Mortage office requires new information from us and it's driving us bonkers.

On Monday, they wanted a Cashier's Cheque for USD1500 from us as "good faith" or deposit. Then on Tuesday, they rang us and wanted to talk to our current Landlord and check about our rental history and payments, if we're "problem-free" tenants and if we were ever late on our rent. The biggest relief is despite Paul's face-off with our landlord, they parted peacefully thus I assume she'll give us a good reference. Moreover, since we're buying a new house directly from the Builder, there's no need for a Realtor anyway, thus she's not that sore that we didn't go directly to her for her service. Another plus is that we've never cause any chaos nor trouble for her and we're always on time with our rent and at times even a few days eariler.

When we thought that would be an end to it all, today the Mortage office tracked us down again and wanted Paul's Bank transaction for the past 6 months. I mean, will they ever stop or perhaps make a list of all the necessary items required from us rather than making a daily call and cause us running around in circles ??? INEFFICIENT is the word I used to describe their system. Regardless, Paul submitted a full 12 months of his Bank transaction to them and hopefully it will put them to rest. But NO ! 30 mins late, they wanted a bank statement from me as well since I'm a Co-Owner... arrrggghhhh, this is truly frustrating.

So a few hours ago, I've printed out my financial statement and I am also required to write them a letter informing them I am a Co-Owner and have sufficient funds for the house should we ever require it.

As advised by our Realtor at the current stage now, it's a 99.9% chance that the house is ours. I mean it better be, after everything we've done and the harrasment we've received and the running around we've done. =P

I am super impatient and edgy to close the house now cause of the mortage interest rate. So far, we had paid 3 visits to the Sales Office and each time, the mortage interest rate had plunge. On our first visit, it's 6.75%, on our 2nd visit, it's 6.5% and last Sat, it had hit a bottom low of 6% !!! Even the Sales Officer who worked with the Company for 15 years told us he had never seen it plunge to 6% before.

Apparently the mortage interest rate used to changes weekly but due to the current slum of the property prices and the drastic decrease on property demands, the interest rate changes on daily basis. If we can log in at 6%, we would be estastic but if it slip to the 5% range, I am certain that Paul would be smiling in his sleep and throw in a few giggles as well.... But before we can get that far, I just hope the Mortage office will put an end to their request for documents and start working fast !!!

I've read on the Financial/Property News that currently all Builders are aiming to close their inventory/new houses by end of Dec to boost their final sales quota for the entire year. Thus they are doing everything in their power to reduce the cost of the houses to attract more buyers. Should the buying trend increase, that will indirectly lead to a demand in mortage loan which will also push a rise on the mortage interest. Well, it's kind of a chain reaction ... *sigh*

Reckon there's nothing much we can do now but to pray that the Mortage Office speed up their process and hopefully we can have a very low and good interest rate ! =)

Face Off

For the purchasing of our new house, we've jumped all the hurdle that came our way and now it's the Mortage Office's turn to process the necessary documentations. As advised, we'll hear something from them by end of this week. Yes, I'm still keeping my fingers and toes crossed until the Closing Date.

The next dragon to slaughter is our Bitchy landlord. Some of you may have read about my downpour on her bitch comments and "mean-ness" when I informed her 60 days in advance to my lease due and gave her advance notice that there's a possibility that we'll be leaving 1 month earlier than our lease due. But all she had for me was sacarstic comments and remarks. Thus yesterday Paul paid her a visit in her office and give it to her hardcore. Hahahahahaah

Conclusion : She'll let us out eariler than our lease due with no penalty wooohoooo ! Again, I discovered the advantage and benefits of having a husband -"Volunteering" him to do all the dirty work ! Hahahah Paul's victory is a good news for us and our Realtor. Despite the fact that our Realtor is inefficient but he is still sweet in his own way. After knowing about my encounter with our landlord, he volunteered to pay for our Feb's rent if our bitchy landlord doesn't allow us to end our lease eariler, very sweet of him huh.

For now, it's back to the waiting game...I can't wait for this to be over and done with !

I've WON the Battle !!!

Groundhog Day is finally OVER !!! Yes, we finally signed the contract for the house today ! Yippieeeeee !!!!! I can't even begin to describe and express my relief. I said it right, not excitement but 100% relief.

After weeks and weeks of countless and numberous prep talk, counselling sessions, confidence boost, encouragement, reasurrance, evulating and listing the benefits of being a homeowner, analysing the property trend and its market supply, emphasizing the importance of owning an asset, the roller coaster ride with Paul is finally OVER !!!

Since the day we began our house hunt, I have been battling with him and I need to point out, it's a NON STOP battle, so much so that yesterday I decided to simply throw in the towel and admit defeat as it appears to be a losing battle and I am totally drained and exhausted from reasoning facts and truth to this Alien from Mars (that's what I like to call him when I can't drill sense into him). Just when I was about to declare the withdrawl of my troops and switch into my meditation mode, Paul miraculously woke up from his idea or I would rather call it "coma" and arrange for the realtor to have the house contract signed today.

I know that some of you folks have been praying very hard for us to get this house and all the additional strength for me to fight this battle with Paul. So I hereby THANK YOU for your praying and prayers. =)

Yes, Phase 1 - signing the contract for the house is over and that's step one closer towards the end of the tunnel. Now we're marching to Phase 2 - Submitting our Mortage Loan Application which we're shooting for next week. After the submission of the Loan Application, we will sit back, cross our fingers and toes for approximately 3-4 weeks before all the paperwork is processed, done and approval notice is given.

Roughly during this period, we will also be advised of the Closing Date, giving us the concrete date when this ordeal is over and keys be handed over to us. That's when we can pop the champage and announced that we are proud owners of our first home which hopefully we can call it heaven.

Well, as advised by the Sales Office, if everything runs smoothly as planned, we'll be expected to move our happy butt into our new place by last week of Dec 07 or 1st week of Jan 08.

For now, I'm STILL keeping my fingers crossed until the day we get our keys.

P/S : To my Support Pillars: My blood sisters - Tricia and Cecilia, my sister by marriage - Sommer and my MIL, I hereby express my utmost and sincere gratitude to all of you for willingly allowing me to rob your ears of peace and quiet by letting me download all my frustration, anger and praying with me and for me during this rough roller coaster ride. Without you gals as my target board for my frustration bullets and anger roars, seriously, I don't think I can get this far. So here's all the hugs and kisses that I have and can give all of you ! **** HUGGIES AND KISSES**** WOOOHOOOOO !!!!!!!!

Finally !!!

At long last, after 4 days of "torture-rous" and painful waiting, this morning, my cutie husband rang and told me the Sales Office rang our agent to schedule for an appoint with us to sign the contract for the house. I was so excited and started screaming "FINALLY" followed by "that means we're getting the house right ?"

Forever in his safety zone, Paul's "safe" reply was "Our agent said it's a 99% chance that we're getting it but I wouldn't rejoyce and be too happy about it until the keys are in my hands." Arrrggghhhhh... that usual stunt of his, whenever I am happiest and in my extreme excitement, he'll pour a bucket of cold icy water on top of my head and drain my excitement away - that Party Pooper.

True enough, after signing the contract, it would still take abt 3-4 weeks for the mortage to be approved and sorted out. And according to Paul, they may still reject us. But if they're not certain, the Sales Office wouldn't invite us to sign a 70 pages contract with them, would they ? My professional agent should have enough experience to know that we're getting the house too right ?

Regardless, to me, 99% is a good percentage to be excited about. So dear folks, I may be moving to a new house soon... but keep praying for that remaining 1% to be positive !!!

On the 2nd note, Paul need to battle with my current landlord sometime this week. For some of you who is unaware of the full story, here goes, on Monday I rang my landlord "advising" and "informing" her that we may be moving out of our current apartment. Based on our contract, our lease is due on 28th Feb 08. But if our new house falls into place, we may be moving in around early Jan 08 thus getting out of our current apartment by end Jan, making us to end our lease 1 mth eariler than the contract stated.

Before I can finish my whole story, she throw me with statements such as "If anyone can break their lease, what's the point of having a signed contract ?" followed by "you didn't help me to be your realtor so why should I help you !" At this point I was ready to explode and chew her head off. But I don't want to ruin the whole scene and make it irreversable. Thus I ended the conversation before I'll scream her head off and cause her to be deaf or educate her with my "X-rated" vocabulary list hahahaha. So I decided to let Paul deal with this Super Bitch instead cause I'm done with her nastiness.

Oh well, for now, I'll just consumed myself with the excitement and the mere thought of the new house that we'll be ending with !!! YOOOOHOOOOOO !!!!!

Waiting Game - Day 3

It's officially the Day 3 of the waiting game and I am still bloody waiting ! Nop I am definately not a happy camper either ! I can't help but wonder what the hell is taking them that long ????!!! Have they been sitting on their butt and sucking on bonbon the past few days or perhaps merely staring at the blank space for inspiration ?

AAARRRGGGHHHHHH.....this is super frustrating and I just need a freaking answer before I go bonkers.

Our agent advised us that there's no reason for them to reject us but again, there's always a chance that they might say NO.

AAARRRRGGGHHHHH !!!!! @#$%^&*(*% (Yes, I am swearing)

Nop, Haven't heard anything !!!

End of Tuesday and still no Bloody News ....AAARRGGGGGHHHHHH !!!!!

No News Yet...

It's late Monday evening and we've yet to hear any news from our Realtor about the house which we submitted our offer to yesterday. Yes, I know that the Sales Officer advise us that we'll have to wait a couple of days before we hear anything from their Head Office. But just how much longer do we have to wait ??? I am getting impatient and pacing around the house isn't helping.... Before I reached my breaking point and go insane, I drove myself to Target to get my mind off from the waiting.

Oh, something to share with you folks, this is funny. We had just switched our telecommunications company thus this morning, the Cable guy came over to the house to adjust our cable and phone lines. The funny bit started when the Cable guy was testing the phone and at that very instant, Paul rang the house and he was shocked, stumbled and speechless when he heard on the other side of the phone - Another Man's voice.

Paul's natural reaction was paniced and followed by questioning of "Who's that ? Who are you ? What you doing ? ". The Cable guy was busy explaining himself and then immediately passed the phone back to me. I can't help but laugh out loud at both men's reaction, oh well....

Can that bloody Sales Officer call us already !!!!!!!!!!!! Gosh.... all I can do is wait and pray hard and pray very very hard !!!!!

House Hunt Part 3 - Pray for Me !!! =)

It's the Third weekend we spent hunting for our future home and guess what, hardwork finally paid off !

Our real estate agent finally woke up from his idea and found us something splendid. To top it off, it's brand new house which means we'll be the first occupants in that house, which is something my mom kept nagging at me to get. That also meant no one have ever died there before and hopefully there's no wondering spirits lurking around either.

Both of us viewed it on Sat and agreed it's a definate YES. We're not being hasty here but even picky and fussy Paul felt that it's too good a deal to pass off. I think that's cause there's less restoration and repair work that need to be done as compared to an older house of the same price.

Let's see, it's a brand new house with 2 years Builders' warranty on it. The Kitchen Cabinate and it's Appliances (2-door fridge, microwave, cooking stove and dishwasher, all from Whirlpool) have never been used before. Both Masterbath (with Tub and Shower attached) and the Common bath are fully furnished. The carpets are also newly installed. We have a back patio with the nature reserve within walking distance. Oh, it's a 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2 Car garage at little less than 1500 sq ft with a price tag of USD170,000. However, we do need to get washer and dryer. As it's a new subdivision and houses are still in building process thus I hope my neighbours are of younger crowd and easy going too.

Well, on Sunday we placed our offer for the house but we were advised by the Sales Office that we should either receive a positive or negative reply from their Head Office by Monday or Tuesday. Thus currently we're keeping our fingers and toes crossed. If everything go according as planned, we're looking to move into our new home in the beginning of Jan 08. Now that would be exciting and awesome for us to start a brand new year in our first home...

Sommer, this new house that we're dying to have is about 20 mins away from where you're living *wink*. So that means we can hang out more often too =)

Folks, I've took some picture of the house to share.... So PRAY FOR ME... It's time we receive some Good News !!!!

P/S : Apologies Folks, there seems to some error with the Slide Photo programme. It didn't show as many photos as it's suppose to. The Solution - once the photo end, a "Play" icon will appear. Click on the icon and it'll show the remaining of the photos. =)

Terpanyaki & Pumpkin Pie

Last night, Sommer called and proposed having dinner together at a Japanese restaurant for Terpanyaki. Without hessitation, I agreed to it and was excited. Oh Yes ! FINALLY, we are going to try something different for a change and most importantly with my favourite companions.

With Paul and his "limited" list of foods that he will eat, me and Sommer had to convince him to give it a shot along with countless assurance that he will enjoy the food. I am always restricted and held back from exploring something different aside from western food cause Paul is not that adventurous in the food department. He have more dislike than likes and that's really a challenge when dining out. The only time that he had ever try something different from steak and fries was Thai food and even then, he ordered stir fried beef and rice.

Regardless, I am glad that he's a willing participant in our dinner venture. Perhaps this would be an experience that will convince him to step out from his comfort zone and give the cuisine a chance. We were all sitted excitedly infront of the grill waiting for the chef's grand entrance. In an instant, he began a few tricks with cracking the egg and building an onion volcano. Unfortunately he's not as entertaining as the chef on the next table but he does serve some wickedly delicious food and I totally enjoyed my dinner.

After stuffing ourselves happily with the food served, we went to Sommer and Pete's cosy habitat for a drink and chill. Yup, I also enjoyed my nightcap of vodka and Dr Pepper (Girls, Dr Pepper is kind of like cherry coke).

Did I mention that Sommer showed me her own creation of Pumpkin Pie ? It's key ingredient is pumpkin pudding with it's magic content of whipped cream. Sommer was gracious enough to cut 2 huge slices for me to bring home to devour it. My intention was to try it tomorrow but before I even reached home, I sticked my finger into the soft, cold filling and started eating away.... yes, I finished 1 slice of it even before I reached home ! That's evidence and prove on how yummy the pie is.

Nop, both slices are for me since Paul have something against dessert and anything sweet. I seriously wonder that there's something wrong with him. He doesn't like dessert, who in the world would say NO to dessert ???

Anyway, I have another slice of Sommer's creation in the fridge waiting for me to eat it up tonight ! =)

Thanks Giving

Thanks Giving came and went in a flash ! The initial plan was for Paul to slog in the kitchen and slog over the stove and a quiet dinner among us. Fortunately to Paul's rescue, we were invited to Paul's older brother, Casey's house for Thanks Giving dinner instead. I know it's a relief for Paul cause that means no cooking, no sweating but ready food. Casey's wife Joanna aka my older SIL is incharge of the menu which includes a whole Turkey, Long Bean casserole, Mash Potato, Corn casserole which resemble a corn bread, Corn and Stuffings.

As for me and Paul, our responsibilities are the Pies which includes my personal favourite Key Lime Pie and the "Thanks Giving" Pie - Pumpkin Pie with it's accessory - Whipped Cream. Yeah, whipped cream, that surely boast any dull and plain pie to the top.

Beside us as the invited guest, Joanna's family were there as well. When dinner is served, it was totally different from what I expected. I expect a recreation of the scene from the movie which everyone sits on the long table with the yummy-licious food laying infront of us and the head of the family or the eldest will say a prayer. Yup, that type of thing or scene. In reality, all the food were lay out on the dining table along with the cutleries and the hostess told me "Just go ahead, no need to wait". Though not all the guest were there yet. Thus to me, it feel more like a dinner then a special Thanks Giving. Oh well, different family have different style. The food is delicious and while I am chewing my turkey, I can't help but wonder how many thousands in the turkey population had been slaughtered and sacrificed for this occassion.

After my food had settled down, I made a swift attacked for the pies. Yes, it's my very first pumpkin pie and I'm skeptical. Desserts are meant to be sweet and sinful but this vegetable pie seems so guilt-free. Before I fully convinced myself that maybe I can have a second slice of this guilt-free pie, Paul flashed the can of whipped cream and started loaded it all over my pie. In that very instant, I kissed my second slice goodbye. My first bite was intense and my brain registered the flavor and my taste bud approved it's ingredient and taste. It was yummy-licious but I had to utilise all the power and inner strength within me to restrain myself from the second slice....

Verdict - I love Pumpkin pie but it have to be accompanied by whipped cream.

Weekend ...

On Sat, we made an appointment with our "efficient", "brilliant" and "resourceful" real estate agent for more house viewing. Yes, it's part 2 of it and I'm sure there's more to come. But I enjoy house viewing and checking out the area and perhaps even finding my potential house which I could be living in. But when I emphase on his ability, it's a force not to be reckon with. I mean when Paul rang him on last Monday and left countless voice message and it took my agent a couple of days to return his call and another day or two to get the appointment sorted out.

On the same note, I have to go through various realtor's website to hunt down houses that are posted on their website and email him those that match our requirements ! And from there he'll do the necessary findings on the house. I feel that I'm doing partial of his homework and yes, my agent gets all the commission. I can still handle that since it gave me an idea of the property market, what I get for my money and what my money can get me. I see it as a research for me as well. What really gets me is this weekend, my agent brought me to a house. Yes, it have a nice price tag to it at USD110,000 for a 3 bedroom and 2 bath. But Boy, the interior matched those to a haunted house. And I have a BIG NO NO for living together with "the others" and I made it clear to him since Day 1. You might ask why I feel that the house is haunted. Well, to begin with, the floorson the entire house are ripped out, molds are every where, windows' broken and it's dark and dingy with trees all over the yard and weeds every where. In one particular bedroom, there's this photo of a man from the 1900s. I don't even dare to walk into that room on my own and Paul have to accompany me. That particular room is neat, with the bed in place and clothes all neatly hang up in the closet.

After that particular viewing, for the very first time, Paul gave me his verdict. He told me he felt like he was intruding into someone's house and he had a feeling that someone died there. When that comment come from my wood block husband, to me, it's a confirmation that "the others" reside there. So it's a definate NO regardless of the price tag. Thanks, Agent, You can be named Agent of the Year now ! =P

On Sunday out of impulse, Paul dragged me to IKEA. They had their grand opening last week and as expected, it's packed and crowded. I mean really crowded ! There's even State Troopers (aka Traffic Police) to direct the traffic and IKEA's staffs to direct the parking.

Back in Singapore, me and my BFF-Tricia are big fans of IKEA. Yes, we would travel from the East to the West (where IKEA is) just to buy a trash bin. But I am glad that this trip broaden Paul's mindset as he have never been to IKEA and is impressed with their design and affordable price tag.
As for me, I fell in love with their Lighting Department. But the next time, I want to go there with a female. Yes, Sommer, just you and me would be perfect *grin*. I want a fellow female to share my excitement when I spot something that blew my mind away. With a man, it's just different.

Guess that's the difference between Man and Woman. =)

Lethargic...

Hi Folks, Apologies for not "blogging". I've been feeling lethargic for the past couple of days and simply not interested in doing anything. I wonder if I'm hibernating but it's not really that cold ! Alright, I admit I'm being lazy but I beautify it with the word "lethargic" *lol*

Let's have a recap on what's been going for the past few days when I'm feeling "lethargic". Well, both my BFFs are currently in Bangkok, Thailand till Sunday. I know they are enjoying themselves without me, with all the shopping to do in the world and the authentic Thai food and the cheap sushi, I wouldn't miss myself either. Hopefully they'll suceed in hunting down my "Prada" bag. Gosh, I so wish I'm with them and having a blast too.

That reminds me, a short vacation with the girls is definately going to be on my "To-do-list" when I return back to Singapore.

Next, Paul and myself are taking advantage of the current sluggish property market and hunt down our dream house. Last friday, out of the blue, Paul just drag me out of the bed and go house viewing with him. Yes, sometimes he have this insane impulses.

Thank God for Paul's Handyman abilities, so even if the house is older than me, he can work his magic and restore it. I have no worries for an overgrown backyard or a bedroom coated with bright pink paint. My biggest concern is "Is the house is haunted !" Oh yes, I can be friends with the spiders but definately not "the others".

Oh, I definately need to get my Florida Driver's licence before my Internation Driver's licence expire. With the expiration date on 4th Dec, I better get this issue sorted out. Every time when I speak to my mom over the phone, she's constantly nagging at me to get all the documentation sorted out. Thank God that my Green Card had arrived, so it's one less item off her list to nag at me.

Just yesterday, Paul's class is over as well and that means he'll have one week to enjoy himself before his next class begin. With that in mind, it also mean that we can spend the whole week together with no homework distraction.

Oh yes, Thanks Giving is around the corner and apparently Paul is going to impress me with his cooking. It's our first Thanks Giving together and I am really excited to see what's up in his sleeves. If all else fail, I guess I can call for pizza delivery *lol*

okie, time for my afternoon walk and enjoy the glorious weather !!! =)

It Finally Arrivedddddd !!!

After months of waiting for the US Immigration pertaining to my Permanent Residency application, last week I've finally received an approval letter from them informing me about the approval of my application. Weeeeeeee !!! It was one of the highlight when I received the notice but it states that it'll take about 3 weeks before the actual card will arrive.

Well, I kind of expect their "efficiency" and the "fast pace" way of their respond. Afterall, I did spend 8 months waiting for any news from them. I'm like "Ok, I can wait for another 3 weeks". Immediately I shared the good news with my close pals and my family. They are excited and over joy with the delivery of my news. Basically it also represent that I will soon be able to go back to Singapore ... Woohoooo

Today, I've open the letterbox and there stood a letter from the US Immigration. Feeling al excited and curious, I opened the letter and there it contained the brochure that greeted me with "Welcome to the United States - A Guide for New Immigrants". Wooohoooo.... it finally arrived and it's less than a week since it's last notification !!! This time, for the very first time, I am impressed by their efficiency.

Alright, next in line is changing/converting my International Driver's License to Florida State Driver's License. Yes, for the past few months, I've been driving here using my International Driver's License and I need to have it converted before it expire on 4th Dec 07.

Anyway now that I have past the biggest hurdle of the application on the Permanent Residence, I can finally take a breath.

P/S : Girls, FYI, Estimate Time of Departure from Florida to Sing would be Feb 08.Well, I kinda need to spend my 1st year Wedding Anniversary with Paul and maybe our 2nd Valentine's Day as well =)

I'm loving it !

It's my favourite season (Fall/Winter) now and I'm loving it ! Gone are the days of hot and sweaty afternoons, the humid nights and hidding indoors from the blazing sun. Being a resident for the past 10 mths here, the above is all that I've experience and I detest it. Finally now, I can enjoy the beginning of "livable" days - the sunny, cool days and cold nights and again, I'M LOVING IT !!!

So here's a preview of this week's weather forecast (and I can't help being excited about it ) :- (Sorry for folks in the US, growing up under the British rules, I only know how to use the metrics)

DAY/DATE CONDITIONS HI / LO

Today Nov 6 Sunny 25°/12°
Wed Nov 7 Partly Cloudy 22°/11°
Thu Nov 8 Partly Cloudy 23°/11°
Fri Nov 9 Partly Cloudy 23°/9°
Sat Nov 10 Sunny 23°/12°
Sun Nov 11 Mostly Sunny 24°/16°

I know for sure that my BFF Cecilia, who enjoy the cold as much as I do would be in estasy if she's here right now. I enjoy opening all the windows in my house and allow the cold breeze to flow right in. After months of closing the windows and having the A/C blasting 24/7. I finally can have some fresh air in the house.

I love to snuggle under the thick covers feeling all cosy and warm with the cold air flowing all around me. Oh, did I mention that it's really funny to experience popsticles toes *lol* ? And jumping out of the cold shower and having the cold air wrap all around me (FYI, I am a huge fan of cold showers). Yes, I'm loving every single bit of it.

Blessed with the cold weather now, I love to take advantage of what's given to me by Mother Nature. I've also developed the love to take a late afternoon walk around my neighbourhood by myself with my loyal companion - my iPod. The weather is so good and enjoyable that I can go on walking around my neighbourhood for an hour and more until I realise that I have a husband waiting at home and then I make my way home.

Oh tonight, I'm going to wear some socks in bed and maybe I can hibernate like a polar bear ! =)

Discovery !

You know the saying of "One Man's junk is another Man's treasure", I experienced that today. This evening, blessed with the warm sunset and the cool breeze, I took advantage of what Mother Nature gave me and decided to take a walk around my neighbourhood. I love the feeling of the cold breeze brushing against my skin and the warm sun warming me up. With my iPod in my hand and Michael Buble's company (FYI, Michael Buble is a Jazz/Blues singer), I strolled around my neighbourhood enjoying time alone.

I explored a further route today as compared to our usual path (the one Paul and I usually take) and stumbled across a Community Thrifty Shop. Curiousity gets the better of me and I decided to check out the shop. Hidden lies all sorts of items ranging from pots and pans, to dishes and clothings. All sorts of shoes from boots to high heels and baby booties to sports shoes for men. On the corner of the other room, a few shelves caught my eyes. YES ! Book shelves... immediately I made my way across the room and stood infront of the babies beaming at me shouting "look at meee!"

I made a quick scan of the shelves and the bottom shelf blew my mind away. There stood the whole row, tall and proud in full attention like a troop of soldiers, 2 books filled with complete work of William Shakespear, "David Copperfield" by Charles Dickens, "The Journey of Marco Polo, a novel from my favourite author Sidney Sheldon and a few other classics. I was so excited that I wanted to scream out loud with joy. It's like finding a needle in a haystack. The incrediable part is the price tag, hard cover cost USD2 and paper cover cost USD0.70. Unfortunately I did not bring my purse with me and I am not ready to pawn my iPod. I reckon I'll have to make another trip back to the store again.

Beside the wonderful finds, the books of William Shakespear and "David Copperfield" by Charles Dickens brought back nice memories. Painful memories then but nice memories now. I remembered the torrid days when I was 13 and 14 years old and I need to memorise those story plots, phase and lines for my Literature class, test and exams. The tormented and horrified nightmare of those days flash before my eyes. I recalled how frustrated my BFF, Cecilia is each time it comes to the subject - Literature. Beside the content of those famous work, I am blown away by the cover of the book, amazingly William Shakespear's books are wrapped in green leather and embossed in gold colour writing.

When I share my discovery with Paul, his immediate reaction is "Well, just buy it !" Unfortunately he doesn't understand that as a reader, we want to share the book with fellow readers who will appreciate the work of the author. If I buy it, I'm the only one reading it in my household. Whereas there is a chance that the book can find another home where the whole family can share it. Hmmm... I think I'll have to convince Paul to give the books a chance and read it, somehow in my conscience, I'll feel better.

Breaking NEWS !!!

WoooHoooooo !!! I think absolutely nothing can conceal my excitement, relief and joy now. I had finally received update from the US Immigration pertaining to status of my Permanent Residency in the US and it have been APPROVED !!!! Oh...Yessss, finally and about time.

It's been a long, dragy, horrifying, unsettling 8 months since we submit our application and finally we're at the end of the tunnel with our application. I should also receive my Permanent Residency card aka Greencard within 30 days from today.

Inreturn, that also mean that I am able to return back to Singapore too !!! WooHoooo... After sharing with my mom the good news, she was like "Thank God, I've been praying to God every single morning for your Greencard to be approve and it finally did." She's even more excited that I am returning back home to spend a few mths with her, my darling triplets and my adoreable and fun BFFs/Friends.

Another good news, since I am jobless and childless and my only responsibility is my Husband, whom I figure can take care of himself when I'm gone. I've decided to stay in Singapore for 4 mths !!!! Yes, Girls, get ready to fullfill me on all my eating cravings, mahjong addiction and shopping cravings. I also hope to have a short trip with my BFFs to either Bangkok, Thailand or Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Which is kind of a compensation for me since I didn't join them for their trip to Bangkok in Nov. Oh, another advantage is that my brother have an apartment in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Which means we can have FREE accomodation !!!

Anyway before you girls get all insane, jumping up and down, cheering with joy, hold on to your excitement. It's going to be at a few more months before I really step foot in my Homeland. My return date have to depend on Paul's school's schedule and vacation since we're returning back together. That's when we will make our final decision.

Regardless, I am just happy to announce to the world that I am going back to Singapore SOON !!! =) Wooohoooo !!!! =)

My First Halloween Party !!!

Last Sat, I attended my first Halloween Party and Boy, was I invited to some party. In my entire life, I hate any festival that link with Ghost, cause it's scary, frightening and attached with nightmare and fear. But this Halloween Party is the exact opposite.

It was filled with fun, laughters, yummy-licious (a word I invented after wolfing down Sommer's creation) food, the alcohols and the "Very Important People"'s special appearance . Yes, the star list includes Ozzy Osbourne, Jimi Hendrix, Janice from the Muppet Band, Amy Winehouse and a few other heavy set rockstars.

As for me, I presented myself as a Druggie ready for some partyyyy !!! Armed with my red wig, matching eye lashes, black nails and black lipstick, I dragged my accessory/driver - my husband with his outrages Alfro wig and his obnoxiously loud shirt (actually it's a blouse we bought at the store in the ladies department) and we stagger right into the hip and happening party scene.

Greeted by the hostess, she instantly blew my mind away with her detailed and fancy decoration that spread all over the house, inside and out. As much as I wanted to be cool, hip and composed, my jaws drop immediately and I almost drool when I checked out the table that lay before me filled with the goodies and yummy-licious food that she personally prepared. Secretly I was thinking to myself "Gosh, is she kidding me ? Did she have a magic wand that I don't know about ? She seriously prepared all this by herself ? I wouldn't even be able to do that if I have 6 arms, 2 Assistant Chefs, 1 dishwasher and a talented Paula Deen teaching me !" Yes, the food is simply "yummy-licious".

Next I had the pleasure of meeting Sommer's friends who are all super fun loving, out-going, funny and sporting. 99% of the invited guest came with their wigs, outfit and a rockstar role to match. I can't help but cracked myself when I see how engrossly devoted they are to their role. They acted like the actual rockstar attending a after party from some Music Awards or Concert and talked and behaved like the rockstar. Personally I feel that Ozzy Osborne (who is Amy's Husband and Amy is Sommer's BFF), is the joker of the night. He staggered all over the place like the drunkard and highly intoxicated manner that the real rock star Ozzy is and constantly yelling for his wife "Sharon". Then we have Amy who came as Amy Winehouse fitted into the image perfectly with her beehive, her tattoos and the revealing bra strap. We even have a Frank Sinatra with his jacket, hat and accent. Can this night be any more fun ???!!!!

With all the yummy-licious food, the alcohols, the fun and the laughters, I was intoxicated with a jolly hell good time and I don't want the night to end but sadly it did.

Yes, it was my first Halloween Party but the hostess not only impressed me with her party organising skills and ability to throw a fantastic party, but she also set the standard and benchmark super high... now all I need from the hostess is the recipe for the Stuffed Mushroom and the Spinach Quiche cause it's really superly good.

Mission Impossible ???

Remember the song "Can't get you out of my head" by Kylie Minogue ? Well, I am having this problem now, there is this image that is trapped in my head for the past 2 weeks and I can't get it out of my head no matter how hard I tried.

Ever since my BFFs announced their upcoming vacation(tentative) to Bangkok, Thailand, SHOPPINGGGGGGG sprang into my head like a natural reaction that most females would. Next came the regret that I can't joined them and the envy that I wished I was going too. I have been to Bangkok a couple of times, infact Paul and myself have even went there in Sept 06. Somehow when the 3 of us are together, it is always "fun-er", "insane-er", "crazy-er" and "wild-er".

Our last trip to Bangkok was most memorable. I remembered beside bringing along my sleeping bag (Cecilia won a paid for vacation including a 5 star hotel stay in a lucky draw, thus me and Tricia tagged along and bunked in armed with our own sleeping bag). But right before I boarded the plane, instead of feeling all excited, hyper and ready to tear Bangkok up, I was feeling the total opposite - a fever brewed in me along with a sore throat and flu came right after. Thus the whole time when I was in Bangkok beside having the company of my shopping partner/fashion consultant and my finance manager - Tricia, sickness haunted me night and day as well. As Cecilia was there a few days eariler than us so most of the time it's me and Tricia fending for our dear life in the strange city. Strangly we thought after hanging out with us most of her life, Cecilia would adopt our hobby but sadly she never did catch our passion for shopping and maybe never will ... yes, she's represent the minority of female who doesn't shop or enjoy shopping.

Half the time when I was there, I was battling with the intense heat and the remaining of my energy was devoted entirely to sustain my shopping activity. I was also trying very hard to gather all my energy and save my last breath to shop untill I really drop. I even joked with Tricia that if I really faint, call the ambulance but most importantly - remember to grab all the "trophies" we have conqured.

The sickness is a blessing in disguise and a self discovery/exploration awaking. I learned that I can conqure and block out my pain when I am shopping *lol*. I realised that I can be cranky and snappy even when I am having my retail therapy. I appreciate my BFF even more cause like the saying "in sickness and in health" and she had definately been there the whole time and super accomodating to me as well. Even when I have no appetite to eat, she was starving herself as well. Despite physically down, I still managed to return back home with 2 bags filled of goodies and trophies.

Since I know of their upcoming trip which I am praying very hard that it will come true cause they surely deserve hell of a good time and definately some breathing space away from husband and work *lol*. But this time I've given them a mission - to hunt down a bag that I am fixated on. I hope both girls will track it down for me, since I am no longer part of the "shopping trio". Impressively this bag have a price tag at USD799. But I have absolute confidence that my BFFs have the ability to hunt down a "pirated" version for me. Did I mentioned that both of them have this inborn bargaining talent that I don't even dare to challenge or question !!!

Now, I just have to pray really really hard that they get to go on their vacation and hunt down my bag !!!! =)

Another Master Piece ! =)

When I'm in Singapore, like a weekly routine, me and my BFFs would meet up and have dinner together once a week. We enjoyed ordering various variety and different choices of cuisine and basically stuffing ourselves crazy with the food that lay out in the table before us. But we never wander far from a few of our favourite personal pick. Like Tricia, she enjoys barbeque Stingray, Chicken Wing and at times would lure us to finished off the dinner with dessert like the King Of Fruits - Durian. Cecilia, she have a mad passion for her fried oyster. As for me, I have a list of numerous favourite just to name a few, the top of my list are Fried Carrot Cake, Wu Xiang and Pot Stickers.

In US, it's tough and almost impossible to hunt down Singapore food that we enjoy. Except for Pot Stickers that I can find in some Chinese Restaurant. But many times, it's like a lucky draw event, in rare occassions you will find some which are really good but many time it's a complete turn off.

Last week, while Paul and me is doing our usual grocery shopping, we came across this giantic bag of frozen ready made pot stickers. As enthuistic as Paul is, he's like "Hey, why don't we buy it back and you can heat it up whenever your craving strike". Sounds managable to me but when I looked at the cooking instruction, it's an instant red flag as it involves hot oil and hot stove ! Before I can pursuade myself to turn down Paul's proposal, the gutsy side of me took over and announced "Yeah, I can do that".

So this morning, feeling like I can conqure the world. I began my fear factor challenge (right after I digest the cooking instruction). And VIOLA !!! Check out the result. Yes, I know what some of you may be thinking but it's edible and definately not a health hazard (at least for me). I've finished every piece of my master work and it's been 2 hrs since I've consumed my self-cooked pot stickers and I'm still alive and kicking to write my blog ! *lol*

Seriously life in the US is like a self discovery journey filled with constant challenges. I don't think I would even attempt to try this cooking with hot oil stunt if I'm in Singapore. But over here, it's a constant try, try and try ! =)

Who is John Lennon ???

SO the past weekend, I've been brain storming WITH my own brain for ideas about my costume for the upcoming Halloween Party. As with the theme "Party like a Rockstar", I'm like "I've drink and drunk like a rockstar but dressed like one ??!!!Hmmmm...."

My Darling SIL, Sommer gave me a brilliant idea about me and Paul dressing up as John Lennon and Yoko Ono. How clever is that ! And as ironic and insane as it is, Paul have no clue who the rock legend John Lennon is !!!

Suddendly out of no where, like a lightblub that have finally light up in his head, Paul have something up his sleeves. Like an alien from outer space who have spoke to him in his sleep, now Paul have an idea about who he want to dress up. AND he's not revealing anything to me except that he wants to be "different".

My BFF, Tricia had given me some good ideas like wearing a leather jacket, dark eye make-up, paint my nails black and basically be a rocker. Which is something I've been considering.... but I want to be fun.

Oh well, I have 5 more days to crack my head and hopefully that alien that spoke to Paul will speak to me and give me some refreshing ideas ! But for right now, I'm so excited abt the party and I think maybe I'll meet Elvis or Pink =)

Halloween Party !!!

Next weekend, it's going to be a celebration that all kids have been dying for - The Halloween. That's when the miniature Superman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Faires, Casper Ghost will have their yearly gathering and instead of upholding the peace, they will create chaos in their neighbourhood. Those terror monsters dressed in costumes and armed with their empty bucket which will soon be filled with candies. As their itinery is to visit their neighbours and "threaten" them with the magic phase "Trick or Treat". The parents will "bribe" those little monsters with candies in order to make them go away. Some houses are even decorated with the halloween theme and have tomb stones erected in their yard or scare crows in their drive way.

It's a unique experience for me as I've never witness a halloween in full swing nor laugh at those minature cartoon characters roaming all over the neighbourhood. I've only see scenes like these in the movies. Only in recent years when the clubs and disco joints have Halloween party as a gimmick to lure the drunkards and party animals for a night of guilt free drinking session. For us Chinese, the nearest festival similiar to Halloween is Hungry Ghost Festival. But it's definately no candies for us, no fun, no joke and no laughters. It's a scary festival which in reverse, the parents will be the one threatening us about the evil and the ghosts that's lurking around ready to pounce on us.

Regardless, it's my first Halloween here and my SIL, Sommer & Pete (her hubby) had invited me and Paul to their Halloween Party. The good news is NO Kids Allowed ! I think that's a hidden code for drink, drunk and be merry Hahahaha. The theme, "Dressed like a Rockstar and Party like a Rockstar". Check out the invitation card (due to it's pixel and file size, to enlarge, click on the image) which Pete had designed (without a doubt, that lad is one super talented and creative artist). My cute SIL had suggested that me and Paul be dressed as the music legend John Lennon and Yoko Ono, now that's definately something to consider.

For right now, I'm just so excited to be invited to my first Halloween Party and experience the insanity of it !!! Woohooo... PARTYYYYYYYY !!!

SURPRISE ! SURPRISE !!!

It's a typical Wednesday morning and I am lazing around in bed watching one of my favourite sitcom "Will and Grace". Before I know it, the door bell rang and I'm like "Hmm...who can that be ?" So I stumble to the door and there stood my postman greeting me with a package in his hand. And my brain is running in full speed trying to recall if I bought anything online that I have forgotten about.

After acknowledging the slip, I reconised my BFF's hand writting on the envelope and my heart was racing and going "YIPPIE" both at the same time. Without thinking, I ripped off the envelope and grabbed the content and stood before me, the Year 2008's Diary with a Card and a photo of my BFFs !!!!

Yes, it's another sweet and thoughtful gesture from one of my BFF, Tricia. Both of us have this habit of owning a diary and jotting down our daily/weekly appointments, phone numbers, birthdays and anniversaries. Basically it's anything and everything that we write down so that we don't have to burden our brains to remember. It's like our "Reference Book" which includes every single details of our activity.

I have to admit that Tricia is a very good Diary hunter. It's like she have this Diary radar and know where sells the cutest, coolest and hippest looking diary. If memory serve me right, I think my current (Year 2007) diary is hunted down by Tricia and Cecilia grabbed it at the store for me (Girls, correct me if I am wrong).

I am touched that my BFF, Tricia remember my habit and even air mail my new 2008 Diary to me all the way from Singapore to US ! (It's one expensive Diary now that it's even air flown). I am speechless, super touched and grateful by her thoughts and gesture. It seems that even thought I don't see my BFF on daily basis but the diary she bought me represent that she is here with me on daily basis.

THANK YOU my BFF !!! Indeed, you are the Best BFF that any girl would kill to have and I am proud to announce to the world that I have you as my BFF !!! Wooohooo... You really make my day by starting it with a NEW 2008 DIARY !!! =)

Here's the pictures of the new Diary that Tricia bought me and also a pic of my 2007 Diary which Tricia previously discovered ... =)

Girls' Day out ! =)

I had one of the best weekend ever !!! Or rather a super sonic good Saturday, I had so much fun and such a great time !!! Last Sat, me and my SIL - Sommer had a Girls' Day out. I know by going out with my SIL, I've already caused the envy by many from having an outing with my SIL hahahah.

Anyway it was a supersonic great Sat, we went to Sommer's friend's garage sale. It's a new concept to us Singaporeans cause it's unheard of for us to have a garage sale. Well, a garage sale is basically sale our stuffs to anyone who is interested right at our door steps. Like the saying "One man's garbage is another man's treasure", it true here. During a garage sale, the owner can basically sell anything ranging from their sofa, microwave, dresses, books, soft toys, shoes, photo frame, cd to mugs. Basically it's anything under the sun for less than a fraction of it's original price. Like a photo frame can cost $0.25 or a book with a price tag at $0.50 (I've once bought an Oxford Dictionary for $0.50). Initially when Paul brought me to a garage sale, I am unable to comprehend the idea and concept of buying other's used stuffs. But now it's interesting to check out what's available in someone's garage sale. It's like a discovery hunt and you never know what you can find. Unfortunately, I didn't buy anything from Sommer's friend's garage sale.

Next we went to lunch where I enjoy an afternoon of leisure meal, throw in a few gossips and download our frustration. Gosh, I can't remember the last time I had such a great female bonding session, what makes it more special is how unique my companion is. She truely make anytime fun time. Then we checked out the Arts Festival which is refreshing for someone like me who doesn't know how to appreciate art or anything artsy fancy.

Basically, I had a splendid time with my SIL. I feel so blessed to have an SIL whom I want to spend time with, one whom I can bond, download and share anything with. In general, each time going out with Sommer is exciting as she bring me to places that I've never been to before. With Paul, he feels that the places Sommer brought me are girly places which men have no idea and any clue they exist. Basically I feel that he only know where the caves and mud fields are whereas Sommer know the fun, interesting, unique and happening places.

Like I told my MIL, after spending a Sat with my SIL, I feel mentally charged up and ready to face the rest of the week with my male partner and spouse...

WooooHooooo !!!

OH YESSSS !!! I did it !!!

A year ago, I was totally clueless about Blog and what Blog really is and all about. Until a few months ago did I finally understood the concept of a Blog before creating my own Blog based on self exploration and figuring it out all on my own.

Next, I configure and sorted out how to load personal photos to share with you folks and also adding pictures to make it more interesting.

Then I noticed some fellow bloggers who have this "Date Ticker" column which they include in their blog to mark or count down to a significant date or anniversary. Then I'm like "Hey, I want that too". Next began another stage of discovery, exploration and a whole lot of puzzle to solve.

Being the self-learner plus explorer it's definately frustrating and puzzling. Instantly I have 101 questions running in my head all at the same time. But along with the frustration came with the reward which is a great sense of self satisfaction and pride ! =) I know that to some folks this is a easily accomplish process but for me, it's a giantic mission.

Incredibly, I've figure it out and done it all on my own !!! WooHoo... now I just need to stretch my hand a little bit longer and give myself a pat on my back ... maybe an ice cream sundae too !

P/S : To my BFF, Tricia, Thanks for believing in me ! =)

Lady of Leisure

It is a very drastic difference now that I am a "lady of leisure" aka Jobless and Free, something that I am not used too but trying to adapt. I know Folks back home would envy and kill to swap places with me but hey, I would trade places with you guys anytime of the day just to be back in the work force.

I'm used to working 8 hours a day, throwing in some additional hours during nights and even weekends (not forgetting the crazy days when I need to be in the road shows and exhibitions). Paul always comment that I don't know the difference between night and day once I start working. Sprinting all over Singapore to meet with Suppliers, Event Organisers, spying on Competitors and basically checking everything all at once seem to be normal and part of my daily life. Even during leisure shopping on weekends, part of my brain would still be thinking about the potential of the mall for promotions, the crowds and the statistic of the consumers.

I remember the mornings when I have a minimum of 10 emails sitting in my "In Box" waiting to be read, action and solved. The Monthly Budget that need to be balanced during month end and the annoying Bosses and Upper Management's request and demands that need to be met. And at the end of the day, I would be feeling all exhausted and drained out. It's like beside sucking my blood dry, these blood suckers would drained out all my brain juice as well. I remember my ritual of listening to the song "I want to break free" by Queens on my iPod every day after work the moment I am out of the office.

All these seems like a distance memory. Now I will spend 30 mins, walking casually to the Postal Office with my iPod in my hand to mail out a parcel for my cousin. And spend another 30 mins strolling back home. It's weird, different and strange now as I would pay attention to my surroundings and notice how green the grass is, how blue the sky is and how funny looking the cotton wool clouds look.

I've learned that I am NOT suitable and ready for early retirement. I am NOT a good candidate who can enjoy leisure and carefree life. I can't wait to be back and part of the work force when I can utilise my brain which is currently filled full tank with brain juice. I can't wait for that bloody employer out there, to snap me as his employee.

But for right now, I just have to be patient and wait for that to happen while continue to laugh at the funny looking clouds which resembles cotton wool.

Where is Snow White and her 7 Dwarfs ?

In Singapore, we're a typical concrete jungle where one building is taller then the other. Infact I lived on the 13th storey when I was in Singapore and I have a preety good unblocked view right to the park, which is rare as most buildings are super close to the next and on occassions, you can even catch a glimps of your next block neighbour strudding in their pajamas right in their living room. Only if I'm in the Zoo or Botanical Garden would I witness some wild life and animal activities.

Living in the US is the direct opposite, it brought me closer to Mother Nature. It's refreshing to spot signs on the road that says "Bear Crossing", "Tortoise Crossing" or "Deer Crossing". I've even caught of a bambi running into the bushes before. Unfortunately one of Paul's colleague had also knocked down a deer. Now that would be in the News Headlines if that ever happen in Singapore !

It's nice that I can walk out of my door steps and catch some squirrels chasing each other. I've even caught sight of some sandhill cranes up close staring right at me and I've even managed to snap pictures of them. It reached a point that I wonder, so where is Snow White and her 7 Dwarfs hidding ???!!!

Yesterday while Paul was at his work site, there's this eagle that was staring right at him. After circling around the block, he thought the eagle would have left but surprisingly, the eagle was still positioned on top of the tree and curiously inspecting what Paul was up to. Without any delay, Paul whipped out his camera and snap photos of the magnificient eagle. It's amazing that he was resting on the branch, checking out it's surrounding and staring down right at Paul and next second, it spread it's wing and flew off... It's really incrediable !

Check out the pictures...

What ??? It's October Already !!!

Already we are already in Week 2 of October and I can't help but wonder how time flies... Where have all the days and night went ???!!! In 2 more months, we'll be heading for Christmas and a Brand New Year and I am shocked ! Incrediably I've survived 10 months of life in the US and like a roller coaster, there's plenty of ups and downs and hell of a ride.

The Ups - I've gained a few friends here and become close with some of Paul's family members like Sommer(my SIL). She is indeed a gem to any SIL especially even more when I've friends who avoid their SIL like a plague. I'm fortunate to announce that I also have a super understanding MIL whom I know had launched the envy of many. Well, marriage is not just me and him, it's me and him and his family too. But I have to say, I am blessed to love and be loved by both of them. I'm also more confident now to drive among the crazy drivers here and not forgetting the "left" hand drive system in the US. I'm even more independent than before and I'm proud to say that I've learned some household skills and even manage to cook without settling the house on fire or do the whites laundry without dying them red or pink. I'm still discovering the US and I hope there are more perks that's come along with this ride.

The Downs, of course is being away from my family, my friends, my triplets, the food, a familiar place that I grew up in. A life I am familiar with and a surrounding that I am used to. And be part of the growing process of my triplets.

Regardless, it's still a life journey and I am blessed to have the support of everyone I love.

Now, I'm looking forward to Thanks Giving (which is the 3rd Thursday in November) ... It's going to be my first Thanks Giving with Paul's family and I hope it's going to be a blast.

Goodbye ...

I received sad news this afternoon that my BFF, Cecilia's maternal grandmother had passed away (early morning in US and evening in SIN). I know that her grandma had been suffering from cancer for a while and on occassion it would hurt really bad and based on her condition, her time on planet Earth is limited. With her illness, she had gradually lost her appetite for food and was getting weaker and weaker.

She had lead a fullfilled life surrounded by her children, grandchildren and even great grandchild. Most importantly she had migrate to the heaven peacefully and is free from any more pain and suffering. To me, it hurts and kills to witness helplessly the person you love going through pain and suffer.

Somehow I feel very guilty and sorry that I wasn't in Singapore with my BFF offering her my support and being there for her. Eariler this year, Cecilia had also lost her paternal grandfather which sadly I wasn't there to be with her as well.

I've known her grandfather since I was 13yrs old. Each time when I go to Cecilia's house, the familiar sight that greet me which I'll always remember is her grandfather sitting on the front porch with his wife, both enjoying the evening together, both welcoming their children and grandchildren back home from a long day's work or school. Witnessing that familiar sight, my other BFF, Tricia and I would turned to each other filled with envy and said "They are so loving, someday when I grow old, I would want to be like them too." Sadly, Grandpa went to heaven a step sooner but he too was suffering from illness and lived in pain.

As in Life, it's a process of life and end with death. The content part is both had lead a good life filled with love and surrounded by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

My absolute and sincere condolence to Cecilia and her Family. I wish I was there to be with her and to offer her support. All I can do now is to wish and give her and her family strength, comfort and inner peace.

I've discovered...

Hi Folks,

Apologies for being MIA (Missing In Action) and not updating my blog for the past few days. Been busy ~ with WHAT ???!!! I have no clue either. Maybe am not as inspired and not too much happening here as well.

I am still working on my job hunt and some folks had proposed to me with the idea of Working from Home. I have stumble across some websites offering information about that particular matter but most requires you to join their website for such opportunities. Being as skeptical as I am, I am more weary abt the scams, the hoaxs and the traps that's lurking out there and seriously wonder how reliable are they ??!! Don't get me wrong, I would embrace and love the idea to work from home. To begin with, there's no morning traffic to conqure, no headache and stress about my wardrobe and fashion, style sense on what to wear for work and the biggest highlight - no gossip and drama kings or queens to deal with. But I just need to figure out which website is really reliable, trustworthy and efficient.

Last week, when Paul was watching CNN, he stumble across this segment investigating websites that offers Work from Home opportunities. Indeed there are some questionable sites out there but there is this particular one that seems reliable. Finally after much debate, last night, both of us filled with nervousness and enthusiasm we signed up with a particular site (due to legal reasons I figure, I shouldn't state this particular website! Gosh, I am slowly Americanised with the fear of law suits now). Anyway after spending $49.90 I discovered and learned that the site offers 2 ways of earning your income. 1) If you are a risk taker and earning commission is one of your comfort zone then this particular method would profitable. However, you need to register with some search engine and from there create a link for other web users to click on which will then link them to the seller (you are acting as a middle man to link buyers to sellers). However, any user who clicks on the link that you have created, YOU would be charged between USD0.05 to USD0.10 per click. Unless they made a purchase on that particular website using the link you have created thenyou earn a commission.

So what if there are 500 people who click on your link and finally decide that this particular website doesn't offer what they want or charges more than others and didn't make a purchase ? Well, you would instantly lost USD50 before you earn any dime.

The other method is by completing Surveys for some companies. However, they don't pay you for doing 1 survey. Some Companies work on point system and redemption, eg. 1 survey = 100 points and you need to accumulate a minimum of 1000 points before you qualify for the redemption which is like USD2 for all the work you've done (1 survey takes about 30 mins).

If you ask me, I'm not a risk taker nor am I going to spend 8hrs on 10 surveys just to earn $2. So both methods are a no win situation for me. Thank goodness, I am able to refund my money from that website and this morning, I have written to them seeking my refund and hopefully I can get my refund back ASAP.

Conclusion, it's a good learning experience, at least I've learned how some of the Work from Home websites operates and work. Nevertheless, I am still open to the idea of working from home and I'll do some homework and investigate what will really work for me....

If you folks have any suggestions or know anyone who work from home, email me =)

My Mom's discovery !

I just hang up the phone with my mom and she was babbling non stop to me about her new found discovery to weight loss. Apparently she and her sister (my auntie) had read and heard about this method from the media and both have decided to give it a try.

Like a fellow cult member, she began her brainwashing and start persuading me to participate and try it. Boy, is she good, kind of a waste that she wasn't into sales. Her long list of benefits like weight loss, lower cholesterol, higher metabolism etc etc kind of sway my doubts. But when she used the magic words - ZERO EXERCISE in the same sentence with WEIGHT LOSS! She got my undiverted attention and interest and that's what I like to hear, ZERO exercise = ZERO sweating = ZERO working yr butt off, thus making it triple nice ! =)

What's her discovery ??!! Apparently you have to drink 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice before breakfast and another 1/2 cup before dinner, twice a day. As an initial beginner and to prepare your stomach for it, you can try it in shot glass portion for 1 week before you "upgrade" and move on to 1/2 glass.

As to when you'll witness the result ? She's not too sure of it either since she just started it this Monday. But based on the reviews from the media, she is convinced and sold ! As for me, there's this hidden conscience in me that when my Mom tells me to try it, I'll give it a shot.

Thus I'll grab a bag of lemons this weekend and make Paul squeeze the juice out of it. But before that weight loss begin, I know Paul will have quite a workout from squeezing the lemon juice !

I love Cooter too !

I never have a passion for dogs or cats and I never did like them. Infact I am scared and terrified of dogs. My mom never like us having pets at home. To her, they are filty and require a lot of "looking after". But it's not the filty that bothers me, it's the barking, the sniffing at me and the potential of them attacking and biting me. To sum it all, I hate and dislike dogs.

So whenever I visit friends who are dog owners, I make sure that their pet is kept away and a safe distance away from me or even better, locked in another room thus there's chance of a face to face confrontation or interaction between us. Perhaps it's my fear for the dog, somehow it's a fear that I can't conqure nor tame.

On 4th July, Sommer and Pete introduced me to their "baby", Cooter. He is like a child to the couple and everyone know how much they love him. Strangly as compared to other dogs, Cooter is very well behaved and obedient. Infact, I think he set the benchmark on behaviour and kept it at very high standards. He never did once bark, sniff or did anything remotely threatening and follow any command, instructions which Pete and Sommer gave.

There is this charisma in Cooter that draws me to him. Somehow that fear of dogs in me vanished and I did the unthinkable - I pet him and love him that instant second !!! He is truely and definately the very first dog I ever petted in my entire life. And I know even my little pinkie finger is happy to pet Cooter. He is funny, cute and 100% pure joy and that moment, he made me laugh and happy (I have pictures to prove). I even told Paul that I want to have a dog like Cooter.

Unfortunately the other night, Cooter was paralyzed from the waist down as he had arthritis in his back. With no other choice, Pete and Sommer had to put him to sleep. I feel their devastation, pain and lost. Personally I don't know Cooter very well but I know that he is 100% special and one who is deeply loved even by me.

It's never easy to experience death regardless if it's a person or a pet who owns a piece of your heart especially when Cooter is like a child to Pete and Sommer. My absolute condolence and love to Pete and Sommer ...

I hope Cooter is happy and pain free in Doggie Heaven and know that there are folks here who miss and love him very much.