Transport Blues

The bus broke down on my way to work (bus captan told us it was jammed?), all passengers had no choice but to board the next bus. Although we needn't pay the fare, the next bus was super crowded and slow...needless to say, I reached my office late today.

It's really times like this that I hate and wish I had my own car but then, having own car will bring on another set of problems!

Buses are always not on time, Taxis charge an exorbitant price nowadays, Congestion and parking is a headache for car!

I guess even going underground will not ease my road rage... Heard another surprising news at night that was of no help to the situation at all: Huh? Why has Honda Diarrac chose to terminate its car-sharing service?


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Let's take lots of photos

Yep, for 2 hrs at $60, we got ourselves a professional studio space, with free usage of the lightings. What a way to round off the occasion, with lots and lots of photos of CP. She gets to keep all the photos and I get to practise!




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Our 2nd Wedding Anniversary

Yep, two years had already passed and we had settled quite comfortably into married life. Anyway, this day is a good excuse to add a bit of spice into our lives and on the downside, also burn a hole in my pocket ...

So we spent the Sunday (eve actually) at Fairmont Singapore, level 16th. I thought it'll be very convenient to drop by to Equinox at Swissotel Stamford next door for dinner.


The view at Equinox was great and despite hearing from friends that the food was so-so, it turned out to be otherwise.


I think I enjoyed the food here the most, even more so than Morton's, Lawry's or Top of the M. Mmmm ... Angus House was pretty good also ...

No brainer, we went for the degustation menu and a couple of cocktails. My aim was to stuff myself full and oh boy, it's a wish come true :)

1st appetiser - "Crab with avocado salad"

Can't remember the exact name but it's a very unique taste coupled with the avacado sauce base and some jelly-like bits. The crabmeat was so fresh and sweet.

2nd appetiser - Mushroom Forest

I'm a sucker for mushroom soup. I especially like this type, also served at other places, where the mushroom was all finely minced.


3rd appetiser - Foie gras
Orange and Sichuan Pepper Marmalade,Honey Cake and Vanilla

Yes it's cruel but it's fantastically, meltingly delicious as well. We each had a whole chunk of it. Suprise suprise, I get another piece of it with my tenderloin steak as well. I think I am "foie gras-ed" ... One nitpick though, it's a bit on the salty side.

Then that's where the honeyed cake and the marmalade citrus round the plate comes in. It's a perfect foil to the richness of the foie gras.

Main course - Steak Tenderloin
Wild Mushroom Fricassee, Chestnut Purée, Truffle Sauce

I'm suprised to find another piece of foie gras on top of the steak, similar to Garibaldi's. Do they copy each other's style? For the first time, I had enough of foie gras for the night. Again, the steak was juicy and nicely grilled, the way all steak should be.

Main course - Miso Glazed Cod
Crushed Potatoes, Edamame Beans, Sake Mirin Dressing


Dessert - Hazelnut chocolate bar

I never like mint ice-cream so I'm suprised I find this dessert superb. I guess the reason the chef pair the two contrasting characters together is that they perfectly compliment each other. After a bite of the exceedingly sweet choclate, wash it down with a bit of the mint ice-cream and you are ready to start over again! The ice-cream sure looked like some bird egg though ...



Some shots from our room to end the night.



Celebration isn't over yet. It's on to a photo shoot the next day!


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A new change

CNY is ending soon (how sad), it's time for a change of our blog header. This new design is based on our recent visit to the underwater world. We spent great time there and it really brought back many of our fond memories 6+ years ago. Knowing that DC likes fishes, I know I just have to add in some on the header this time! :)

The result:



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Chingay @ Bishan

Oh la la ... Chingay has come to Bishan. It's a great dragon dance, two of them in fact. Frankly, this is actually the first time I got so close to a dragon dance. Feel the might of the dragon ...



After the dragon dance, it's the lions' turn to welcome our MPs. What a cacophony!


More photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dchewkc/sets/72157603965946494/

With them are the Chingay floats! ... with useful and excited commentary from a spectator.



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Real Deal or Not?

Got a call this afternoon. This guy from Garaway Enterprise called to inform that I've won a 5D/4N stay in hotel at Phuket with 2 return air tickets. He claimed that I've participated in some lucky draw which I totally could not recall at all... There's a catch to it: I've to attend a 90 mins presentation with DC. It's good if it's really true but DC decided to pass on this one as we already have special program for tomorrow. So even if it's a real deal, it's a no deal...


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Underwater World - Now and Then

It has been so long since we last went Sentosa! It has really changed a lot these years... and now there's a train service directly to Sentosa, how convenient! With the upcoming development of the Integrated Resorts, I am sure it will look different again next year...

Thanks to the Sentosa Flowers 2008! If not for this event, DC won't even want to re-visit Sentosa. After 6+ years, the only place that is familiar to me at Sentosa is the Underwater World...

I managed to dig out old pics of us years back. Nothing seems to change much at the Underwater World but both of us have definitely changed... for the better i hope! :)




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Birthday Celebration

The welfare committee organises birthday celebrations every 3 months. Today's at Sizzler and I'm one of the birthday people which means this meal is free. :) Food is good, I love the salad bar and the ice-cream cake is delicious but after this final celebration, I will in the organising committee for the next celebration onwards... to celebrate or not?


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Office Lo Hei

Wonder who invented Yu Sheng? I love this yummy salad! :D


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A splinter In my hand

I woke up today to find a splinter in my right little finger. Dunno how it got into the skin but it was quite frustrating and uncomfortable. Anyway I managed to find it and pull it out on my way to work...Glad that it didn't go deeper in.




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Blister!

Wore my new pair of shoes to work today. Can't understand why other people can walk in these high heels with backing with grace and without any difficulties. I always get ugly blisters!

One colleague taught me a trick: Apply Zam-Buk on the shoes before wearing. This would effectively reduce friction and according to her, this method is 100% proven and tested (by her). I've heard a similar advice from an ex-colleague previously... instead of Zam-Buk, she recommended moisturiser. I tried applying some moisturiser on my way back home, it does relieve some pressure but then the harm is already done... too late to salvage liao. I'll just have to bear the pain and bear the tricks and tips in mind for the next time!




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Dance, Lion, Dance!

I'm always a fan of the lion dance, from way way back. So by a stroke of luck, I had my camera, external flash with me today! Time to get up close and personal ...




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Missed!

This is what I saw on my table this morning when I reached office...
Not Chinese New Year card, but invitation to Yuan Xiao Jie Celebration!

Company had 5 exclusive passes to give away on Friday for the Yuan Xiao Jie 2008 Celebrations.

Date of Event: 17 Feb 2008, 7pm
Venue: New Bridge Road (in front of Lucky Chinatown)

Visitors can enjoy the highlights from the Chingay Street Parade as the floats and performers make an appearance at Chinatown. There will also be a strong programme line-up with overseas and local performances such as casts from 881 and firecrackers & fireworks display.

*Firecrackers & Fireworks*... I was very excited and signed up for my colleagues who were not interested in going to increase my chance of winning the tickets.

Because it was broadcasted that "Tickets will be balloted and winners will be notified to collect the tickets at 3pm.", disappointed that I wasn't one of the lucky winners, I left the office at 4:20pm for a site inspection...

Then, I saw the pair of tickets on the table this morning!!! What???

Turn out that Mr Ray-man was the lucky one but he couldn't reach me on my mobile phone... and then, put the tickets on my table!

Urghhhh!!!! I rather not know... ignorance is bliss...

What is Yuan Xiao Jie(元宵节)?
Yuan Xiao Jie (元宵节) is the 15th day and the last day of the Lunar New Year. It is also regarded as the Chinese Valentine's Day, for it used to be the only day in the year that singles in the olden times are able to see each other, through the pretext of lantern appreciation.


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Not for the faint-hearted!

Just finished watching this superb film on dvd...

Directed and produced by the Pang Brothers, the film seems like a normal detective show but there's more than meets the eye!

Some Trival Points:
1. I am definitely impressed by Aaron Kwok's acting. No wonder he was nominated Best Actor for 3 years and won two Golden Horse Awards! I'm looking forward to my next Aaron Kwok's film. :)

2. Thailand... no thanks after watching this! On the contrary, the movie really makes me appreciate Singapore more... for its prosperity and cleanliness.

3. This movie is not for the faint-hearted. There are lots of suspense and unexpected twist to the story. Do expect dark scenes, narrow alleys and eerie music...


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Putting the Best Foot Forward

Finally managed to get DC to take photos of my new shoes today! :D Wow, it does make a difference... the shoes do look better when taken with professional camera and equipment.

While DC was busy, I took some photos too... of him at work, of his camera equipment, of his product tent, and of course of my shoes... ;)



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The language of Love

It's Valentine's Day today. :)


If you are planning to get a flower as gift for your special one, be sure to know the meaning behind the flowers...

A
Absinth/Wormwood	Separation and Torment of Love
Acacia	Platonic Love, concealed love
Aconite/Monkshood	Misanthropy and Poisonous Words
Adams's Needle	A Friend in Need
Adonis	Recollection of Life's Pleasure
Almond	Virginity and Fruitfulness
Almond Blossom	Hope and Watchfulness
Aloe	Wisdom and Integrity
Allspice	Compassion
Alyssum (sweet)	Worth beyond beauty
Amaranth	Fidelity
Amaranth, Globe	Unchangeable
Amaryllis	Pastoral Poetry, Pride
Ambrosia	Your Love is reciprocated
Anemone	Refusal and Abandonment, Forsaken
Apple	Symbol of Perpetual Concord
Apricot Blossom	Timid Love
Abor Vitae	True Friendship
Arbutus	Thee only do I Love
Artemesia	Symbol of Dignity
Asphodel	Languor and Regret
Aster	Daintiness, Symbol of Love
Azalea	Fragile and Ephemeral Passion
B
Baby's Breath	Happiness
Bay Wreath	Reward of Merit
Begonia	"Beware! I am fanciful!"
Bindweed	Coquette and Busybody
Bittersweet	Truth
Blackthorn/Sloe	Difficulty and Austerity
Blue Bell	Delicacy and Humility
Bouquet of Withered Flowers	Rejected love
Burdock	Importunity and Boredom
Buttercup	Childishness
C
Cactus	Bravery and Endurance
Camellia	Excellence and Steadfastness
Camellia, red	You're a flame in my heart
Camellia, white	You're adorable
Camomile	Initiative and Ingenuity
Candytuft	Indifference
Canterbury Bell	Constancy and Warning
Cardinal Flower	Distinction and Splendor
Carnation	Fascination
Carnation, Pink	Emblem of Mother's Day, I will never forget you
Carnation, Purple	Antipathy and Capriciousness
Carnation, Red	Admiration, my heart aches for you
Carnation, Striped	No, Sorry, I cannot be with you
Carnation, White	Pure Love, Sweet Love, Innocence
Carnation, Yellow	Disdain and Rejection
Cedar Leaf	"I live for thee"
Chestnut	Independence and Injustice
China Aster	Jealousy and After-thought
Chrysanthemum	You are a wonderful friend
Chrysanthemum, Red	I love you
Chrysanthemum, White	Truth
Chrysanthemum, Yellow	Slighted Love
Cinnamon	Love and Beauty
Clematis	Artifice and Ingenuity
Clove	Dignity and Restraint
Clover	Fertility and Domestic Virtue
Clover, Four leafed	Symbol Of Good Luck
Clover, Five leafed	Symbol Of Bad Luck
Cockscomb/Celosia	Silliness or Foppery
Coltsfoot	Maternal Love and Care
Columbine	Cuckoldry and Deserted Love
Convolvulus	Humble Perseverance
Coreopsis	Always cheerful
Cornflower	Delicacy
Crane's-bill/Wild Geranium	Constancy and Availability
Crocus	Youthful Gladness, Attachment, Cheerfulness
Crown Imperial	Majesty and Power
Cyclamen	Resignation & Goodbye
D
Daffodil	Emblem of Annunciation/Regard, Unrequited love
Dahlia	Good Taste
Daisy	Gentleness, Innocence, Loyal love
Dandelion	Oracle of Time and Love, Faithfulness, Happiness
Day Lily/Hemerocallis	Emblem Of The Mother
Delphinium	Airy
Dogwood	Durability
E
Edelweiss	Daring & Noble Courage
Eglantine	Spring & Poetry
Elderberry Blossom	Humility and Kindness
Everlasting	Constancy
F
Fennel	Strength
Fern	Sincerity, Magic, Fascination, Confidence, Shelter
Fir	Time & Evaluation
Forget-me-not	Faithful Love, Memories
Forsynthia	Anticipation
Fuchsia	Amiability
G
Gardenia	"I love you in secret"
Geranium, Oak-leaf	Friendship
Geranium, Rose	Preference
Gillyflower, Pink	Bonds Of Affection
Gladiolus	Strength Of Character, I am really sincere
Gloxinia	Love at first sight
Goldenrod	Treasure And Good Fortune
H
Heather, Purple	Admiration, Beauty and Solitude
Heather, Pink	"Good Luck"
Heather, White	Protection From Danger
Heliotrope	Devotion, Eternal Love
Hibiscus	Delicate Beauty
Holly	Foresight
Hollyhock	Ambition and Liberality
Honeysuckle	Sweetness Of Disposition
Hyacinth	Games & Sports
Hyacinth, purple	I am sorry, Please forgive me, Sorrow
Hyacinth, white	Loveliness, I will pray for you
Hyacinth, yellow	Jealousy
Hydrangea	Vanity, Thank you for understanding, Frigidity
I
Iris	Faith, Wisdom, Valor, Your Friendship means so much to me
Ivy	Friendship, Wedded love, Fidelity, Friendship, Affection
J
Jasmine, Red	Folly and Glee
Jasmine, White	Amiability and Cheerfulness
Jasmine, Yellow	Timidity and Modesty
Jonquil	Violent Sympathy and Desire, Love me, Affection returned
K
L
Lady's Slipper	Capricious Beauty
Larkspur	Open Heart
Laurel	Success and Renown
Lavender	Constancy
Lilac, Mauve	"Do You Still Love Me"
Lilac, Pink	Youth and Acceptance
Lilac, White	"My First Dream Of Love"
Lily, Calla	Majestic Beauty
Lily, Day	Coquetry
Lily, Orange	Hatred and Disdain, Wealth, Pride
Lily, White	Majesty and Purity, Virginity
Lily-Of-The-Valley	Purity and Humility, Sweetness
Lotus	Mystery and Truth
Love-In-The-Mist/Nigell	Delicacy and Perplexity
M
Magnolia	Dignity, Splendid Beauty
Marigold	Sacred Affection, Cruelty, Grief, Jealousy
Marjoram	Comfort and Consolation
Marvel-Of-Peru	Flame of Love
Mistletoe	Affection and Love
Mimosa	Sensitivity
Myrtle	Love, Mirth and Joy
N
Narcissus	Egotism, Formality
Nasturtium	Patriotism
O
Oleander	Beauty and Grace
Orange Blossom	Your Purity Equals Your Loveliness, Innocence, Eternal Love
Orange Mock	Deceit
Orchid	Magnificence, Love, Beauty, Refinement
P
Pansy	Thoughtful Recollection
Passionflower	Faith and Piety
Peach Blossom	Generosity and Bridal Hope
Pear Blossom	Health and Hope
Peony	Healing, Life, Happy Marriage, Gay life
Peppermint	Warmth of Feelings
Periwinkle, Blue	Early Friendship
Periwinkle, White	Pleasures of Memory
Petunia	Anger and Resentment
Phlox	Sweet Dreams
Plum Blossom	Beauty and Longevity
Poinsettia	"Be of Good Cheer"
Poppy	Imagination, Dreaminess, Eternal sleep
Poppy, yellow	Wealth, Success
Primrose	Young Love, I cannot live without you
Primrose, evening	Inconstancy
Q
Queen Anne's Lace	Fantasy
R
Rose, Bridal	Happy Love
Rose, Carolina	Love Is Dangerous
Rose, Christmas	Peace and Tranquility
Rose, Coral/Orange	Enthusiasm, Desire
Rose, Dark Pink	Thank you
Rose, Light Pink	Admiration
Rose, Musk	Capricious Beauty
Rose, Pale	Friendship
Rose, Peach	Let's get together, Closing of the deal
Rose, Pink	Love, Grace, Gentility, You're so Lovely, Perfect Happiness, Please believe me
Rose, Pink & White	I love you still and always will
Rose, Red	Love, Desire, Respect, Courage, Job well done
Rose, Red & Yellow	Congratulations
Rose, White	Charm, Secrecy, Silence, You're Heavenly, Reverence, Humility, Youthfulness and Innocence
Rose, White on Red	Unity/Flower Emblem of England
Rose, Yellow	Infidelity, Joy, Gladness, Friendship, Jealousy, Welcome Back, Remember me
Rose, Yellow & Orange	Passionate thoughts
Rosemary	Constancy, Fidelity and Loyalty
S
Salvia, Blue	"I Think of You"
Smilax	Lovely
Snapdragon	Presumption, Deception, Gracious lady
Snowdrop	Hope and Consolation
Spearmint	Warmth of Sentiment
Spider Flower	Elope with me
Statice	Lasting Beauty
Stephanotis	Happiness in marriage
Stock	Bonds of affection, You will always be beautiful to me
Sunflower	Homage and Devotion
Sweet Basil	Good Luck
Sweet Pea	Departure, Blissful pleasure, Thanks for a lovely time
Sweet William	Gallantry, Finesse and Perfection
T
Thrift	Sympathy
Thyme	Courage and Activity
Tiger Lily	Wealth and Pride
Tuberose	Dangerous Pleasures
Tulip	Symbol of The Perfect Lover
Tulip, Red	Believe me, Declaration of love
Tulip, Variegated	Beautiful eyes
U
V
Violet	Modesty and Simplicity
Viscaria	Will you dance with me?
W
Wallflower	Friendship and Adversity
Water Lily	Eloquence and Persuasion
Wisteria	Youth and Poetry
X
Xeranthemum	Eternity and Immortality
Y
Yarrow	Healing
Z
Zinnia	Thoughts of Absent Friends
Zinnia, Pink	Lasting Affection

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Sentosa Flowers 2008

Wonderful event. There was such a colourful display of flowers. The big crowd is expected but I still find space to make use of my macro lens. Truly, I think the Tamron 90mm F2.8 macro is even sharper than the Tamron 17-50mm F2.8.




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2nd Fireworks of the Year

Date: 8-Feb-2008
Time: 21:30 hrs

What a rush, made it just in time. By the time the fireworks filled the sky, I am still seting up my tripod. I thought is a goner ... luckily I still got the shots I want. Standing at the Esplande facing the Fullerton ... this is really a good spot. Of course, it can never be perfect. Since it's a public holiday, most of the office buildings weren't brightly lit ...




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Fireworks again!

Yes, how can I not shoot fireworks. It's not so much of skill but rather how determined you are to get that good spot. Are you willing to go 2 to 4 hours before to get that fantastic spot? But luck always play a part. You wil never be sure where exactly the fireworks will appear and wind conditions matter. Damn it, we were late and we went the wrong way. In the end, I could cross over to the Esplanade. Ah, if I can get over there, the Fullerton hotel will make a good background. Hmm ... I must go down early tonight ...




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Feast during Chinese New Year

I guess the thing I like about Chinese New Year is to gorge myself with food and forget about the waistline. Starting with the reunion dinner on the eve and one a few days earlier, moving on the another on the big day itself, plus many many other goodies. Way to go, made a very tiny winning on Toto, Chinese New Year itself. Let it cascade on to many mnay big big winnings this coming year! Huat ah!

Reunion Dinner - Prepared by my Bro and sis-in-law


盆菜 - Filled with abalone, mushrooms, veggies and sea cucumbers


Drunken Prawns


Abalone with vegetables


Steamed Chicken


And also 鱼生 - Lo Hei on CNY day



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Chinese New Year greetings from DC & CP

Happy Chinese New Year!

The couplet above read:
As spring is around, good fortune abounds
As seasons progress, longevity increases


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Fire!

The moment we stepped out of the lift, there was a strong burning smell. We thought it was probably someone having BBQ or steamboat. Then the smoke filled our home ... it seems to come from the kitchen, it seems to come from the washing machine ... no, it's the rubbish chute. Damn it, some idiot must have thrown his cigarette butt down the chute ... The SCDF came and put it out. What a Chinese New Year eve.


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Just after reunion dinner, met with a car accident. On the losing end as I rammed into the other car. Well, got to wait for the insurance report ...


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Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Main Characters:
Sweeney Todd - A barber who had been deported to the Australian Penal Colonies for fifteen years for a crime he didn't commit. Returning to London, he slits the throats of innocent customers in madness after the loss of his wife and daughter

Mrs. Lovett - Todd's partner-in-crime who bakes the corpses of victims into pies.

Judge Turpin - The wicked and corrupt judge who locked away Todd and raped his wife. He adopted Todd's daughter, Johanna, as his "ward", on whom he spies voyeuristically through a hole in her wall. He intends to marry her, although she is no older than 15.

*****

Sweeney Todd is a story of revenge and how it consumes a vengeful person. It is based on the 19th century legend of Sweeney Todd and the hit Broadway musical. DC and I were attracted to the show because it has won awards for Best Motion Picture (Comedy or Musical) and Best Actor (Comedy or Musical) at the 65th Golden Globe Awards and received 3 Academy Award nominations.

Although it is true that Johnny Depp's acting is unquestionable (and oh he sings very well too), the show didn't really fascinate us...

We didn't expect to see a musical on the screen, DC definitely wasn't a fan of musicals. The ending was a tragical one and we are not fans of tragedies either.

Nice Bag

See my new canvas bag from Bugis Junction.

It's free for redemption if you spent above a certain amount.

- DC gave it a miss and chose to take part in Jay Chou's Lucky Dip that day when I bought my cosmetics. He got an ugly ang bao pack and regretted not getting the bag.
- Last Friday, after buying my cny dress and before watching the Rambo movie, I had a chance to bring it home but I gave it up for Jay Chou's movie tickets. Got the "Kungfu Dunk" notebook instead.
- Returned to Bugis on the next day to do my shopping...The 3rd time this time, I knew exactly what I want... and I'm glad I chose the bag this time!

I've been carrying it out these few days. It's quite a handy and comfy bag if you don't mind the fact that it resembles London designer Anya Hindmarch's I'm Not a Plastic Bag.


My new bag is definitely not a plastic bag, It's a Larger Than Life All The Fun Upsized Bag! :)


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