It's the final Countdown

Out of the blue, I was down with high fever yesterday and today after all the drugs wear off, it hit me that it's 31st of Dec 2008 today. I'm still not at my best form but hey, at least it wasn't as bad as it was yesterday and I am still breathing, so that's good.

I'm not going to ask "Where did the year go?" and "What happen?" cause it's rather too late now to be asking that question. Thus, I rather recap on the events of 2008 before I embark to 2009.

Here goes, in 2008, it's a rather exciting year for Paul and Me....

1) We moved into our brand new house.
2) We purchase a brand new car.
3) We finally had our traditional Chinese Wedding on 13 Sept 08.
4) My FIL attended our Chinese Wedding in Singapore and I am happy to show him the country which I grew up in along with my insane friends who all claim he's super cool AND handsome AND charming AND funny AND all things nice. (Yes, he's a joy to be around and to be honest, I really enjoy his company).
5) Me and Paul went for a vacation with my Mom and Bro in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (which all of us had a jolly good time).
6) The arrival of my precious Godson, Ethan really brought joy and hope into my life.
7) The Triplets had a blast with Paul this time rather than crying and hiding from him. I think they enjoy trips to the playground with Paul running after them.
8) I finally met Paul's childhood best friend, Joe and his wife, Shannon whom I adore and their children which I can't seem to finish praising them. Believe me, they are like godsent (at least when I'm there).
9) For once, me and Paul spent both Thanks Giving and Christmas with my MIL and I hope she enjoyed us driving her insane.
10) I managed to squeeze 3 months out of the year and spent it in Singapore with my family and friends while I "abandon" Paul in the US.
11) I have self proclaim myself as the new Iron Chef for their Baking Department (if it's not for the quality, at least it's for my effort and at least none of the kids in the neighbourhood had been poison).

AND

12) In 11 days, we'll be celebrating our 2nd year Wedding Anniversary !!! It haven't been all honey and nice and there's truma and drama but with the support of my Blood Sisters and SIL and MIL, I hope it'll be a smoother ride in 2009.

Last but not least, the great health that all my family and friends enjoyed.

For the Brand New Year, I hope it'll being Good Health, Prosperity, Happiness and Joy to everyone around me and in Singapore.

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH US and MAY WE ALL FIND THE INNER PEACE AND STRENGTH WITHIN US !!!!

HAPPY NEW YEARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR !!!! =)

P/S : Stay alert for all the pictures of our trip .....

We're Leaving !!!

We're leaving tomorrow noon and heading straight to Sanford, North Carolina to celebrate Christmas with my MIL and her family and we are excited !!!

Surprising how time flies cause this Christmas would be the 2nd year anniversary that Paul propose to me and we're going back to my MIL's place where it all happen... Am sure it's going to bring back some nice memories.

Me and Paul is praying for a white Christmas and hopefully we can see some snow. This time, we're also driving to visit Paul's best friend, Joe and his family. Apparently he is an avid hunter and hunt down deers or fish. I'm excited to see him and his catch.

We'll be returning a week later.

Until then, May everyone have a safe Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays !

See you folks soon......

Surprise !!!

Today, I received a morning greeting from the Postman with a special surprise for me.

Yes, it flew all the way from Singapore and it's a loving package from my "Sister from another mother" aka Tricia and my Godson - Ethan. I was so excited and extremely happy. Believed me, the gesture itself have made my day and even weeks !

My Sister got me a multi-purpose and "stress-free" bag with various compartment. Infact, a compartment for every item and I am impressed with her great find. But what got my heart melt is the annual diary that she got me. For as long as I remember, Tricia is my go-to girl for diary. Like her, I have a habit of owning a diary where I jot down everything I need to remember, from Birthdays to Anniversaries to Appointments and everything else.

Each year, without fail, through rain and storm and "sold out" situation, she never fail to get me my annual diary. Even cuter, we would always have the same version but different color and it's like everytime I jot something in my diary, I remember that my sister from another mother have the similiar diary as me and that rocks !

Tricia and my Godson Ethan, THANK YOU for remembering me even when I am exile in here. THANK YOU for your loving gesture which I appreciate and treasure.
THANK YOU for everything ! =)

P/S: Tricia, remember the author, Sophia Kinsella which you recommended me and got me hooked on all her books ? Hey, there's a movie on her book "Confession of the Shopaholic" which would be out in Feb 09. Guess what, I can't wait to watch it with you, which would be splendid cause I would be back in Sing around then... Wooohooooo !!!!

My FIL, He's Cool !

After our Dinner on Saturday night, my FIL gave me a hug and told me this "Di, I want you to remember this, no matter what happen, you will always be my Daughter-in-law and I love you".
With that my eyes get teary and I replied him with a grateful "Thank You".

No matter what happen, I am blessed to have a FIL who love me for whatever choices I've made and select. For that I will always be grateful to his understanding and love.

I have said this to my pals countless times that my FIL is fun to be around with and he always have that special "charm" around him that my girlpals have known it to be "WOW". I recall how they were raving about how handsome my FIL. My girlpal, Hayley from Australia even text me to tell me they are having an online discussion about my FIL despite the fact that she had never met him ever in her life. Yah, I think they adore him for his wit, wicked sense of humour, his charms, his good looks and not forgetting he's "cool".

I am sure that every married or about to be married folks know that the relationship with your in-laws or future in-laws are tricky. It either float or sink and I am fortunate to say that my in-laws are "cool". Yes, "Cool" is a word I pick up here thought I hardly use it. I think Cool is the word to summarise everything nice though there is no specific meanings to it. (Definately very strange word to me).

But I like what Cecilia said, "Even if the relationship of the "in-laws" come to an end, you can always be friends." Yes, my BFF - the Peace Maker...

Mission Statement

Today, I spoke to my Blood Sister. I had been “digging the hole” for the entire day and after spoken to her, I manged to see the light to the end of the tunnel and it felt so good.

To have someone to assure me, relate to me , help me to gather my thoughts, lead me to hear my inner voice and thus found my solution. Is everything I needed right there and then.

For that, Cecilia, I will forever be grateful to you. You have once again show me your wisdom and proven your ability to never to judge or comment but always to stand behind and beside me. Same as my other Blood Sister, Tricia.

I have also concluded the following statement…

“Should there be a battle between the Intelligent Beings and the Stupid Population, the Intelligent Beings will be the first to perish. It is simply because they are drove to their grave by the stupid due to their lack of mental capacity and thus perish due to despair.”

May we all find the light to the end of our tunnel ! =)

Back from Thanks Giving

We went and we're back and we had tons of fun. The scenery was nice, the weather is superb, the companion was wonderful and the Thanks Giving dinner was yummy-licious. All we had to do was to eat, chill (which we did a very good job) and shop ! What else can a girl ask for ???!!!

Yes, we were also "fierce" enough to hit the stores on Black Friday (the day after Thanks Giving where there's the best sales ever). And we came home with good deals. I can't believe that Paul will go shopping with us with not a single word of complain or whimper and I contribute that to the power of a mother.

I got myself a Peacoat from Old Navy at half off. I've discovered that I've found my alliance in shopping, aka my MIL. Me and Paul was debating if I should get the coat and we were so close to giving it up until my MIL told me it's a buy cause I look nice in it. Hey, how can any DIL disobey her MIL right ?! So I bought it totally guilt-free. Hey, I was only taking the sound advice of my MIL and "obeying" her *lol*

Thanks Mom for egging me to get the satin bedsheets too. They feel so good against my skin and made the comforter slide to me effortlessly without a battle with my husband over it *lol* Again, I'm glad to "obey" you rather than listening to my husband *lol* .

We came home with good memories, great fun and now we're looking forward to our Christmas Trip... can't wait !

Road Trip to North Carolina

He's excited, I'm excited and we're both excited !

In 2 more days, we'll be heading to North Carolina for Thanks Giving with my MIL and her husband. We'll begin our road trip on wednesday evening after Paul return from work and hop into our car. I reckon it's an 8 hours drive and hopefully we wouldn't bump into any traffic jam.

I hope I'll be lucky enough to catch some snow flakes while I'm there.

Promise, I'll bring my camera along and take some really nice pics....

Did I mention that my MIL lives in an area that's surround by tombs ?
Yah, I'll definately bring some sleeping pills and knock myself out when it's bedtime. Despite the fact that I am excited and can't wait to spend the holiday with my adorable MIL but knowing that "The Others" could be there, I am positive that I'll be on my alert mode and all my senses will be tune up high. I hope "The Others" will like me enough not to bother me and not like me enough to follow me home ! *lol*

Regardless, HAPPY THANKS GIVING everyone ! =)

P/S: We'll be back home on Sunday ! =)

Am I Iron Chef ?

I woke up under our cosy comforter but it's still freezing cold (3 degs celcius). Then I started craving for warm, spicy and tasty food. Food from Singapore, one of my favourite food - Curry Puffs from "Old Chang Kee" hit me like an addict craving for drugs. Some of my friends know that I have intense cravings like a pregnant woman even thought I am NOT Pregnant (Auntie Mary arrived yesterday).

Since I can't bring curry puffs to me, I decide to make myself some and perhaps it'll ease my craving. With a fierce passion, I went online and look for the recipe. Yes, it's a big hurdle to jump but I figure, "What's the worst that can happen ?" Fortunately we have all the ingredients in the pantry and in the fridge (even the curry powder that Paul bought but we never used). So I started whipping up a storm while Mooch watched in fascination.

Seriously I don't even know if it's successful and if I can even make it pass boiling the eggs. But I am glad that I did it ! And I must say, it's Yummy ! *grin*

It's not "Old Chang Kee"'s standard and it doesn't look too preety but it sure is yummy (at least for me).

Check out the pics ....

Baking is Therapeutic !

Last week was a tough and rough week and after spending Saturday in Ikea with Sommer do make me feel better. Hell, spending Paul’s money sure feels like having sweet revenge (Sommer, know what I mean *evil grin*).

I’ve learned that baking is rather therapeutic and it’s certainly cheaper than paying a visit to the shrink. Fortunately I’m able to download my frustration to my blood sister, Cecilia while Mummy Neo is performing stunts to entertain my Godson Baby Ethan. Yes, downloading my anger to my MIL help too. It’s good to talk to someone who have real life experience and encounter with children.

Regardless, I’ve picked up my whisk and my baking tray and start baking Strawberry cup cake with Lemon Icing. I must say with the Thanks and Cheers from the neighborhood kids sure feels like instant gratification.

Check out the pics of my Strawberry Cup Cake with Lemon Icing… Damn, I am so damn proud of myself and my creativity on the icing !

I am drowning....

Hi Folks,

Many Apologies for not updating my blog.

There's just so much drama and trauma going on during the past week that it's draining my mind and soul. I'll give myself the weekend to compose myself and hopefully I'll get my grove together and resume blogging.

I am hopping that my trip to IKEA this Sat with Sommie will cheer me up a little and spending some money will buy me some cheer.

Until then, have a splendid weekend and love each other.

P/S : I am so happy that my Godson, Ethan is doing well and behaving ..... Go Mummy Tricia ! =)

I am relief that my mom's eye laser treatment on Thursday went smoothly. Let's hope her follow up on next Friday will give us good news. Until then, I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Luv Karma Believer - Di

Happy Halloween 08

We're invited to Sommer & Pete's annual Halloween Party and this year, the theme is Super Heroes or Villian.

Let's just say, there's tons of cool people in their really neat, creative and super sonic fun costumes (my favourite is Captain Viagra). There's also yummy-li-cious appetisers made by Chef Sommer.

I've made my favourite drink - Pink Lemonade with loads and loads and loads of Vodka. Yes, it was loads ! So it's definately a night filled with food, drinks, laughters and be merry.

Check out the pics ....

Out swinging !

Sorry Girls, out on my hammock with Mooch, enjoying the cool weather, love my cold toes, adore the cold breeze.

Will update my blog when I've regain my senses.....

SHIOK, SHIOK, SHIOK, SHIOK, SHIOK !!!!

Preview of Winter

The day I've been waiting for all year had finally arrived. I've been pinning and waiting and counting for the arrival of Winter and it's finally here. Well, it's not exactly Winter in Florida for at least another month or so but the drop of the temperature is a preview of the Winter for me.

Last night the temperature dropped and this morning it was 11 degs celcius and I was excited. The news forecast reported that tonight it'll dropped to 4 degs and I can't wait. I've turned off the A/C and Heater and opened all the windows in the house, allowing the cold wind kissing my face.

Folks here may think I am insane for embracing cold weather. However being born and raised in Singapore, all we had all year round are hot and humid summer days. Thus it's refreshing to experience freezing days. I am sure my BFF, Cecilia would be as excited as me if she's here.

I've took out the bed comforter and air it on the bed so I can be ready for some snuggle action with my pillows tonight. I couldn't be more excited about the cold weather. As for Paul, he's not a big fan of the cold but oh well, my pillows love to be cold and I LOVE having cold pillows.

Perhaps in the noon, I'll bring out my hammock, set it on my front pouch, put Mooch in it and swing happily and enjoy the cold breeze and the clear blue sky....

P/S : Ms Yap, the word is SHIOK ! *lol*

I AM the BAKER !

With the success of my Double Layer Chocolate Cake, my ego received an instant boost. Along with the encouragement of Paul, I decided to bake another cake. Like the mad scientist, this time I wanted to explore making a Lemon cake since I'm always a fan of the citrus family.

Being a newbie at baking, it is intimating for me when I pick up the whisk. From the initial start of mixing the ingredients to hand deliver the cake mix into the oven. The next 35 to 45 mins is a constant run to the oven and peep the "goods".

Even after I've gave the cake a good layer of icing, I am still nervous of the reviews.

Well, fortunately the kids in the neighbourhood (Jacob's Playmates) are all sugar junkie. As long as it's cake, it's brownies, it's cookies and it's SWEET, they all get excited and want more.

Check out the pics .....

P/S : I've received request from Picky Paul to make Cinnamon Streusel Muffin. That's going to be my next project.

Where are you ???

"Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat, Where are you ?"
"Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat, Come out now ...."
"Moocher, Where are you ???"
"This is not funny, Come out now !"

Every morning when I wake up, Mooch will come and greet me. Like a routine, He will rub himself against my legs and meow. Like my shadow, he would follow me around the house. Even when I am sitting on the couch and updating my blog, that furball will lie down right beside me and take his cat nap.

Since Paul refused to let him come into our bedroom, when I go into the bedroom, Mooch just stay in the living room. Yesterday I panicked when I couldn't find him. Seriously, our house is not that big and we can basically take a glance and cover the entire house. Thus I was like on alert mode and was going around the house calling for him when I couldn't find him. I was worried that he was locked outside by Paul when Paul left for work.

After the hunt and calling Paul to check with him if he saw Mooch in the morning, Paul's reply was "No, I didn't see him." Hmmm....I don't think anyone want to kidnap a cat now when Thanks Giving is still a month away and I don't think Americans perfer Cats rather than Turkey.

Then I make another search around the house and this time, I found that furball hidding here. He is just so adorable that I couldn't resist and just have to take snap shots of him....

Look at his cute face...

The UNdomesticated Goddess Strike AGAIN !

If there is anything that interest me in the kitchen, it's the oven and the desire to bake.

I get excited with it comes to baking. When I compare it with cooking and it's oil splatters, the grease and the cleaining up, I can live with just eating a cake forever.

Last week, I decided to bake a cake. For the first time in my life, I wanted to bake a cake ! I have tried baking brownie and muffin and they were always easy and suddendly a cake seems like a challenge and I wonder, when I attend Home Economics class during Secondary School (High School) how come I never have the opportunity to bake a cake.

Then I remembered, when I was in Home Economics class or rather my entire life, I hated anything to do with being in the kitchen that involves cooking, baking or touching raw meat. TO get through the class, my masterplan was to pair up with a classmate who inspire to be Martha Steward and always want to steal the lime light.

Being the "considerate" partner, I always take a step back and sometimes two thus they can have all the attention that they want. Show off all they want, be in total and absolute control for all they want. As for my contribution, I sacrifice and take on the not so glamourous title as being The Kitchen Helper aka checking out what other teams are doing and doing PR with the rest of the class. Thank God on my wise pick on my partner, I never get a D and always smooth sail during class and practical test.

Yesterday I drove myself to the supermarket and grab more baking stuffs. With the success of my double layer chocolate cake, I now have the confident boost with baking. Well, the neighbour seems surprise when I told them it's the first time I bake and the kids are like "Wow, really ? But it's really good."

Yah, I know I have a hidden talent somewhere ! *lol*

Check out my double layer chocolate cake with chocolate icing and sprinkles....

Bargain Hunter

Last Sat, I dragged Paul out of the house and roam around town. We finally collected some of our wedding photos and by chance there is this Old Navy store and I just have to check it out.

Despite Paul's protest, I told the whinny baby to hush it and drag him into the store even thought I know he's about to throw a fit but he clearly know that I will rip his head off and present it as a sacrifice item for Halloween.

Since my arrival in the US, I've been known to the girls as a Bargain Hunter and a Negotation Queen. However, I would like to tell them that it's simply because I've realised the value of a 5 cent and it is bigger than a bull's cart wheel ! *lol*

Regardless, I've found this bermudas ... I know it's not exactly my style or as Paul's facial expression which is decoded as "yuck". Seriously with a price tag that scream USD2.99 I HAVE to get it ! Even thought it have a white back ground but it's thick enough that my panties aren't showing.

Hell, I was telling Paul, "I would wear it when people come visit at our place or during grocery shopping or to the beach !" And everyone know that the beach is not exactly my favourite place in the world but hey, now that the wedding is over, I kind of have the unspoken permission from my mom to get a tan. Seriously, now I really want to go to the beach !

Well, I got the USD2.99 bermudas and now OLD NAVY is my favourite store. It's not an every day deal that I can get something that dirt cheap and opportunity doesn't come twice and hey, a Best Buy is a Must Buy.

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Last Sat, Paul invited one of his Best Friend, CJ & his GF - Lisa to our place for a BBQ. Lisa told me more than once that she's very adventurous with food. She frequent Vietnamnese restaurant with CJ and they enjoy spicy Thai food too.

I was like "Splendid ! New couple whom we can ask to try Asian food with us (beside the usual Chinese food)." Personally I enjoy trying all sort of cuisine (except Mexican). Like Paul said, "Diana never turn down food." I told Lisa that I've brought back an idiotic proof pack of Hainanese Chicken Rice mix from Singapore and she definately have to try it since it's one of the most famous cuisine in Singapore. It's like the saying "You've never been to Singapore unless you have tried the Hainanese Chicken Rice."

I have been putting it at the back of my head about making it. Another concern of mine is, the tester need to be adventurous with food cause that package is enough to serve 8 and I am not going to have Chicken Rice for the rest of the week if the testers don't enjoy it or have one spoonful and think it's enough.

Finally, now I have willing testers who gave me the thumbs up that they will eat it, I followed the instructions on the box and proceed with cooking.

Despite it's the first time that I made Chicken Rice, THANK GOD that it turn out well. I was so worried that I would mess it up. It's an even sweeter reward when both CJ and Lisa love it. Like they say "Taste like Chicken and Yummy too !"

Check out the pics....

So Handsome, So Cute, SO SO SO Adorable !

Finally, after the long wait, I've received photos of my adorable godson Ethan.
All I could say is, he's so handsome and adorable AND I wish I was there to carry him and welcome him to this world.

I hope he know there are a lot of people who love and adore him even from the other side of the Globe.

Me and Paul went to the store on Sunday and shop for Ethan. Gosh, I am amazed by the wide range of selections there and how every single one of them look so cute and all of them seem to have a tag on it that says "pick me".

I think we accomplished our mission by getting him clothings from head to toes. I was so dead set on getting him a musical toy but Paul was like "No, he's a boy and he don't need toys, he need more blue colours and sports theme clothings".

I know that Paul is neutral towards the Gay community but he have this insane believe that boys don't need soft toys or musical toys cause it will "cause" the child to be Gay ??!!!

Oh well, next time when I am not with Paul, I'll sneak in some musical toy for Ethan.... Believe me, it's not a "gay-ish" toy, I find it rather entertaining cause it produces nursery songs such as "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Rock-a-by-baby" etc.

Check out pics of my handsome Godson, with his Mama and other Godma - Cecilia.

I'm a Godmom NOW !

It's official, I'm promoted to be a Godmom !!!

On 3rd Oct 08 (Fri) at 11.40am, my heroine BFF, Tricia pushed my Godson - Ethan Loke into this happy world, weighing at 2.99kg (6.5lbs). Little did he know, this healthy boy is already surrounded by many who is waiting for his arrival and waiting to shower him with heaps of love.

I can't wait to meet my Godson. Already his Mommy told me he's a cute lad.

Despite the fact that I'm on the other side of the globe, I've spoken to the warrior Mom and she shared with me about her delivery process. I know it's rather cruel of me to be laughing away when she describe the pain along with the "torment" and I did apologise to her for my laughters but the words that she used are just way too funny for me to control and hold my giggles.

Now the next time when I walk pass Baby infant clothings and items, I know I have someone to buy them for - My Godson !

CONGRATULATIONS to the NEW Parents - Tricia & Winson !!!! Wooohooooooo.....

He's coming !

It is 10pm on a typical Thursday night and 3 hours ago at 7pm (which is 7am Singapore time), my BFF, Tricia rang me and told me she's having her breakfast and after that she'll head off to the labour ward.

I was like "WHAT ! Are you having the contractions ? Is it painful ? Why don't you go to the hospital NOW ? Are you alone ? "

She gave me the mother of all answer, "If I go now, I would be starved to death, so I want to eat now and after breakfast, I'll go. Moreover, I've been awake since 4am doing housework and I am fine."

Yes, I am shocked, that OCD woman is doing housework while going through contractions. How OCD can one be ???

Regardless, it's 10pm here and my BFF is in the labour ward pushing my Godson out into this happy world.

While she is pushing, I pray that her labour pain will be swift and pain free !

Damn, I wish I am on the next flight out back to Singapore to meet my Godson and my heroine BFF ....

Good Luck, Sister ! Remember that I am rooting for you !

My Cambodian Silk Lanterns

Since my previous return to Singapore in March, I've came across these fab silk lanterns from Cambodia and I've been fixated.

Despite my return back to the US, I still can't get it out of my head. I've brought up my vision to both Paul and Sommer and let's say, they are not as excited as I wanted them to be. Initially I thought perhaps it's just a phase that I will snap out of but it stuck to me like a leech and I simply can't shake it off. Every single day the vision of owning the lanterns stuck to me firmer than before. Not forgetting how nice and romantic it will be at night when we will switch off all the lights in the house and just light up our lanterns and admire it with Mooch.

During our last trip back to Singapore, I officially introduce to Paul and my FIL to my lanterns and to my surprise, both of them have kind comments about them. Paul even saw my vision and was the ultimate mastermind in hagging the price and slaughtering the seller. Yes, this white butt shark managed to bring down the price of the 3 lanterns from $210 to $160 and I must say I am proud of him. At least I am not doing the dirty job !

And we finally fullfill my vision and have our lanterns all hang and light up. And when we take a walk around the neighbourhood, I get so excited when I still catch a glimps of our house with our lanterns lighted up all glowing and nice. Tonight, I will admire it with Mooch !

Check out the stunning pics...

My FIL - The Superman

Both me and Paul were estatic when my FIL decided to come to Singapore and attend our wedding. I was so happy that I finally have the opportunity to show him Singapore, the country I grew up in, my friends, my family and most importantly, to show him what a modern country Singapore is and that we are no country bumpkin and we don't live in some slumps either(hahahha)

With the limited time he was in Singapore, I packed and vacum everything into 3 short days. The girls are very sweet to plan a BBQ for him to welcome him and the food list was filled with our favourite BBQ food like Sting Ray, Squid and even Cat Fish (definately not my personal favourite) ! Honestly, I think my FIL is a trooper considering the fact that he had his first taste of Chinese Food in his entire life 1 month ago before going to Singapore.

Within the 3 days, we covered :-

1) The Flyer - This enormous Ferris Wheel which display most of Singapore's skyline and sights.

2) Chinatown

3) The Malls

4) The local housings apartments

5) Our subway

6) A ride on the town in the Double Decker Bus

7) Boat ride in Singapore River

8) A taste of the local food - Satay at "Lau Pa Sat"

9) The Relic Temple

and

10) Our Wedding

Hey girls, my FIL think all of you rock. I've told him that you girls have a private discussion about how "hot" he looks. I believe Pregnant Hen's text message from Australia to me was "Wow, your FIL looks like Superman ! So hot !" Yup, they were having a private discussing raving about my FIL and thank god that they didn't invite me cause it would feel so weird discussing how hot my FIL looked !

I hope you girls discover how funny my FIL can he's always fun to be around, especially when he's teasing me.

Regardless, these are the pics of my FIL, Paul and everyone else during my FIL's visit in Singapore. It was great fun and gosh, I am missing everyone at home already !

Baby Steps - Photos from Tricia's Camera

I've sorted out the house and managed to get everything back on the track. But when it comes to the wedding photos and wedding related items, I am still lost. I have this perfect idea in my head that I want to catalog everything from the amazing wedding invitation card (which Sommer designed) to the wedding favours and the lovely wedding cards I've received and photos that my friends took from their camera.

Since I am in the US now, it's rather difficult for me to develop the wedding photos and send it to my friends and I thought perhaps I'll ride on the modern technology and email the photos to them instead. However, whenever I think of going through the 600+ photos in the CD which my photographer took, it's a battle that I am trying to fight.

I know there are so many folks who are waiting to take a peep at the pics thus I've taken baby steps and begin with posting photos from Tricia's camera.

P/S: If any of you want me to post photos from your camera, email me and I'll work on it. =)

PP/S: Stay Tune for my next update. I'll share gossips from the girls on my FIL ! hahahaha

I want my rock hard bed !

It's Day 2 back home and I'm sleepless in Sanford and it is definately not jet lag. I miss having a good night sleep like the moment my head landed on the pillow, within the count of 10, I'll be happily skipping and hopping around in my Lala land.

Now that I am laying on Paul (or our bed), I get frustrated when both my eyes are wide open and I am staring at the ceiling and it's just 2am in the morning. While Paul is snoring happily. The culprit - The bloody damn soft bed. Something which Paul rave about and something till now I am not used to. I've done the comparision and concluded the reason why I can sleep so soundly in Singapore was because of the hard bed and hard bed was what I grew up with. Whereas now, our bed is a heap of mash.

I was seriously entertaining the idea of walking out of the house and right into the construction site across the street at 3am to "borrow" a plank wood from the empty field and slot it between the matress and the matress protector. Now that would give me my "hard" bed that I so craved for and perhaps bring it's texture close to the bed that I own in Singapore.

But the risk of transpassing into another's property and being thrown into jail for "borrowing" without permission is not exactly what I have in mind after the damn 27 hours of flight from Sing back to US.

Oh no, it's going to be another night again and I am really dreading the damn bed ! Tonight I'll sleep on the new couch, at least that's firmer and harder than our damn bed..... I HATE PAUL'S BED !

P/S: Here's another of pic taken in Singapore !

We're Back in US !

It's been more than 2 weeks since I've updated my blog and that's cause I was in Singapore for our Chinese wedding and I've been swamped with "things-to-do" and "places-to-visit" every single day. I have arranged all my activities and "must-do" back to back just so I can accomplished very thing on my list and I only have 2 weeks to play with. Yes, it have been insane and I am basically drained out at the end of every day. Despite the fact that it's supposed to be a vacation, both me and Paul only managed to sleep about 7 hrs a day (if we are lucky).

But it had been a fruitful 2 weeks and I love every single moment of it. Somehow I wish the 2 weeks didn't end that fast. It's over in a flash before I even enjoy it and now I'm back in US.

There's loads and loads of things that I want to write about my return in Singapore and our short trip to Malaysia and not forgetting our Chinese Wedding.

You know the saying "the mind is willing but the body is weak". This is exactly what I am experiencing right now. I promise I will write more tomorrow but for now, I need to finish up my 2 loads of laundry and perhaps I'll just share with you folks few of the photos which Tricia took during my wedding with her camera. (I am in the traditional Chinese Wedding Costume).

It's the Final Countdown ! 1 more day !

We're leaving for Singapore tomorrow and I've got my bags packed. This time it's not going to be "Excess Bagage" for me. My "James Bond" hardcase Samsonite luggage are filled with the girl's bags and other items and it's worth USD2400. Let's pray that it'll not be lost in transition.

Then I have another bag with my stuffs loaded. Thank God the last time I've left some of my crap back in Singapore thus this time I can afford to travel light. I'm still calm except the people around me are driving me bonkers. Paul's "last minute" mentality drives me to my edge and I'm ready to snap any moment now. And my mom had suddendly decided to join him to push me over the cliff sooner than expected. With my returning schedule and arrival time, my mom have called me 3 times to take a cab home myself to my brother's fetching me to taking a cab home by myself. Seriously, as long as I arrive on time with all my luggage, I don't even mind if I have to walk home.

Tonight is the finale, we have to dash to the mall to hunt down a red/maroon shirt and tie for Paul to wear during our Tea Ceremony and a white sleeves for my brother. Then it's a mad dash to Sommer's place which I hope we can make it tonight cause I can't wait to view the "montarge" she had done for me. I know for sure her work will leave me speechless ! Then we need to come home and pack Paul's bag. Arrrggghhhhh !!! I've offered my "packing services" to him for days and all he need is to pick out the clothes he want to wear and items he want to bring and I'll have them all stuffed in but NO ! It's as if, if it's not last min packing, it's not a challenge for him *screaming*

Okie, I've got my crap together, I've got everything organised except sorting out my messy husband. I can't wait to return back to Singapore to the embrace of my girlpals and family and the 3 little toddlers at home. Yes, it's going to be a blast and I know it. Seriously, my main focus is the fun and food we'll be having. As for the wedding, JUST GET IT DONE AND OVER WITH ! It's like a constant nightmare that I can't wake up from ....

Oh, if anyone doesn't know the meaning of "Momzilla", come to me, I'll explain it to you, coming from real life experience too ! =)

If I don't update my blog, you folks know that's cause I'm having a jolly good old time in Singapore.

Luv from 2 mins to Bonkers Bride,
Di.

I'm leaving on a jet plane ! =)

I don't know where time went but in a flash I'll be jumping into the plane and heading straight back to Singapore in merely just another 3 days time. The 27hours flight is definately not something that I am looking forward to but having a target aka Paul to direct my anxiety is not a bad idea.

We're schedule to arrive Singapore on 8th Sept around 1.25am. This time I will be praying very very hard that nothing will mess up our flight schedule. With my luck and traveling history, I've told Paul to bring along a carry on and pack an extra set of clothings.

Oh, I am so excited that my FIL is coming to Singapore to attend our wedding. For a while, I thought I would introduce Paul as an orphan but guess that's not happening now. I can't wait to show my FIL as much of Singapore as possible and that include the Red-Light District. Cecilia have been asking me why do I always want to bring visitors to Singapore. My classic answer is "That's the place where everything happen. With the Action and the Food and it open late, why miss a single thing ??" This time, I plan to throw my FIL and Paul at those back alley on the Red Light District and have them venture the area.

Since there will be no gate crashing at my wedding, we're having a BBQ on my wedding eve. This will give the girls an opportunity to slip back into their evil self and hatch their "evil" plan and materialise it on me. Indirectly, I reckon this is going to be my night of retribution. Regardless, I am still ON for whatever challenges that will thrown to me cause whether I want it or not, I can run but I can't hide thus I might as well learn to like.

Yes girls, 3 more days and I'll be back to rock Singapore ! Woohooooo.... can't wait !

I am WOW !

I feel so blessed to always be surrounded by good friends. Some had even made it to my BFF league whom I know will always and forever be in my life and whom I will grow old with.

Despite the distance, they are always with me cause we are after all just an email or a phone call away. We may not talk to each other every single day but we always pick up where we left behind (Yes, I'm talking about you Amily)

I've received an email from an old friend whom I've known her since I'm 17yrs old. She picked up the broken pieces when I first had my heart broken and I was with her when she was with that idiotic and death deserving ex-bf, whom I spend countless hours cursing at and secretly praying that his "pee pee" will rot for the way he treat my friend. (Yes, Klarie, I was praying secretly).

Today she send me this email that both "WOW" me and let me know that, despite the current economy, I have such a generous friend. I know there's no price tag for a friendship but I can't help but just "Wow" by her offer.

Sorry Klarie, I hope you don't mind when I post your email up. I thought it's nice to let others know how generous you are and how lucky I am to have a friend like you.

So this is what Klarie wrote to me ...
"Hey u looking for tote.bag. Any luck? I think a branded one will go a long way.

What about the dress watch? I'm always lost when come to buying gift. Not the shopping type non follow trend.

For u, I'm willing to spend sgd 1,000 for any present of your liking! This is to compensate the many birthdays I missed n to be missing. Ha... So sgd1000 is not a lot. I hope you will accept my offer. If the tote bag is less than that, u may use the bal to get matching accessories or other stuff u fancy! Even up to sgd 1500 is fine with me.

Hope the weather is better now. Bill me I'll pay to your account.

From an old friend. "

Yes, I was "wow" when I read the above but it's just too much an offer for a birthday or even birthdays.

Klarie, THANK YOU SO SO MUCH for your generous offer but just your offer is the ultimate birthday present from you to me. And your friendship is always PRICELESS !

P/S: SGD1500 convert to USD1100++

Tropical Storm Fay

Tropical Storm Fay are still here and she's definately very persistant. She had been here since Monday evening and apparently she brought tons and heaps of rain with her. There have been a lot of report of damage and flood which seems inevitable when it have been raining for the past 3 days straight !

We have experienced the power going off and back on within 2 secs. It didn't cause too much damage for us except made me jumpy. Paul had stayed home from work since Tuesday and he's suffering from cabin fever. He's restless and been wanting to venture out to explore despite warnings to stay indoor when necessary.

He managed to convince me to check out our neighbourhood and we managed to take some photos of the damage caused by Fay. One of our neighbour's house have a tree fallen at the back of their porch. The tree at the side of my garage is lying at 45 degs and the pond at the back of the subdivision is threatening to over floor. Unfortunately, Sommer had also lost power at her house.

I can't wait for Fay's departure, this is frustrating.