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 =)