Home home home

I miss home.

This trip is less than 4 weeks, but I feel as if I had been away for 4 months.

I really miss Daddy, Mummy and my home.

I am not able to control my emotions properly. Work, life, my health...etc etc...everything adds together and I feel as though I will breakdown soon.

I need to go back to my 'habour' and 'shelter'. To refresh, rest and relax.

I will be the cheerful and happy Evelyn again. Also to be a better person for myself, for my family, my frens and Anh.

Simplicity

Merry Christmas :)

Through this festive season, I realized that a simple life is a happy life. No need fancy dresses, posh restaurants, expensive dinners... Christmas can be just as enjoyable :)

I just need my family, close frens and A with me. I feel very contented and happy. Everyday is Christmas, everyday is New Year!

Thanks A.

I'll Still Love You More

~~ Lovely song...by Trisha Yearwood
Ask me how much you mean to me
And I wouldn't even know where to start
Ask if this love runs deep in me
And you won't find a deeper love in any heart

You could say you couldn't live one day without meY
ou could say all of your thoughts are about me
You could think no other love could be as strong
But you'd be wrong
You'd be wrong

If you say that you love me
More than anybody
Than anyone's ever been loved before
As much as you love me
Baby, I'll still love you
Baby, I'll still love you more
I'll still love you more

Ask me just what I'd do for you
And I'll tell you I would do anything
Ask if this heart beats true for you
And I'll show you a truer heart could never be

You could say there's not a star that you won't bring me
You could say there'll be no day that you won't need me
You could think no other love could last as long
But you'd be wrong
You'd be wrong

If you say that you love me
More than anybody
Than anyone's ever been loved before
As much as you love me
Baby, I'll still love you
Baby, I'll still love you more
I'll still love you more

And for every kiss
I'll kiss you back a hundred times
And for everything you do
I'll just do more
And for all the love you give
I'll give you so much back you'll see
Got so much love for you inside

If you say that you love me
More than anybody
Than anyone's ever been loved before
No matter how much you love me
Baby, I'll still love you
Baby, I'll still love you more, yeah
I'll still love you more
*********************************************************************************************
Yes, I'll still love you more, A.

It'll be a lovely and splendid day!

Merry Christmas :)

...

A soccer match lasts 90 mins. You do not know the final score until the final whistle.

A day lasts 24 hrs. You do not know whether you are really happy until 12 midnight.

Today is not such a good, beautiful day after all.

Happiness is back :)

I feel happy.

I dunno why, but this week, ever since Monday, happiness is back. I don't swing between happy and sad easily, I don't cry or tear easily, I don't cling onto my phone, I don't feel anxious and insecure constantly. I will keep this good mood going and going... ^_^

Many things happened in the past weeks. My emotions went through a roller coaster (like the King of Roller Coasters at Mt Fuji Theme Park > steep and high). Suddenly, I am no longer a little girl, who waits to be directed and taken care of. I must think and choose the path to take, be responsible for my decisions.

Thank you, to all those who have helped me. You know who you are.

Thank you, A ah.

Loving' You

Today is a better day. I woke up and feel loved.
Just like this song...

Lovin' you is easy cause you're beautiful
Makin' love with you is all i wanna do
Lovin' you is more than just a dream come true
And everything that i do is out of lovin' you
La la la la la la la... do do do do do

No one else can make me feel
The colors that you bring
Stay with me while we grow old
And we will live each day in springtime
Cause lovin' you has made my life so beautiful
And every day my life is filled with lovin' you

Lovin' you i see your soul come shinin' through
And every time that we oooooh
I'm more in love with you
La la la la la la la... do do do do do

Thanks A. For everything.

I Love Cooking

Recently, I love cooking.

I would go to the supermarket every Sunday, load my cart with lotsa vegetables, meat, chicken. eggs etc...and then I would return to my apt and pack them into my fridge (it's getting too small for me...i miss my 2-door fridge at home).

Then I would actually sit down, with a notepad and pen, and begin to plan the menu for the whole week. I even have a book in which I write down recipes as I go along, I get lotsa help from Mummy and Nai Nai.

Last Friday, I felt 'ready' and asked Truc over to my place for cooking and dinner. This is what we have done:

Chicken, vege and tofu > laid on top of an omelette. I got this idea when I watched TV and they were introducing Teppanyaki Tofu. I do not have the hotplate with me, hence mine is Ceramic Plate Tofu. Nevertheless, it was yummy... :)


Truc fried a fish, because its my favorite! Fried fish is the only food which I would never cook myself, because...I cannot fry a fish :P Anyway, I love the soy sauce with ginger and spring onions. Whatever i request, my Nanny would cook for me ^_^

Yummy dinner!!

是震撼，也是无力感

I had been extremely busy last week, day out at 6am, day in at 10pm. No time to read and relax. Finally, I had time to catch up on my reading this week.

<是震撼，也是无力感> -- 张小娴
一位念中六的女孩子问，爱情的定义是。。。。。她思考了很久，还是想不到。
爱情的定义，对每个人来说，也许都有点不同吧。

有些女人觉得男朋友哪天不打她就是爱她，有些女人觉得男朋友哪天打她才是爱她。
有些女人认为替男人生孩子是爱他，有些女人却认为为男人打掉孩子才是爱他。
有些女人觉得为一个男人放弃自己的理想，便是爱他。有些女人却会因为爱一个男人而有自己的理想，她怕跟不上他。

付出是一种爱，但是，想从他身上得到更多，也是一种爱。
思念是爱，但是，你叫自己不要再思念他，你负担不起了，那也是爱。

爱是有安全感，又没有安全感。
爱是一种震撼，也是一种无力感。
爱是诱惑，也惟有爱能给你力量抗拒诱惑。
爱是忠诚，可是，爱也令你背叛。

不要问我爱情的定义，它的定义会随着你的年纪和经历改变，越来越清晰，或者越来越模糊。那时候，你会明白，寻找定义是不必要的。

A day out with Mummy @ Orchard Road

I was back in SG 2 weeks ago, it was a short trip home for me. As Xmas was approaching, I am itching to go out for some retail therapy, and hence I took a few days of leave and asked Mummy to go on a 1-day shopping spree with me!

When I was in NUS, I had plenty of time other than going to lectures. I could go on shopping sprees with Mummy almost every week. We will walk from one end of Orchard (Scotts Isetan) to the other end (Centrepoint), covering Scotts Isetan - Far East Plaza - Tangs - Wisma - Taka - Paragon - Heeren - Centrepoint. Our trip starts at 9am and will end at 10pm. Haha!!! Just eat and buy, eat and buy :)

On 5 Nov, we decided to do it again....we started at 9am and had breakfast at Bedok Interchange before taking a train to Orchard....

A snapshot of Orchard Road. Quite deserted as it was a weekday.

The fountain outside Ngee Ann City

Every year, Ngee Ann City will put up a gigantic Christmas Tree :)

Mummy outside Takashimaya S.C. One of our favourite places to shop as it has everything (almost) under 1 roof!

This pair of Japanese dolls stood at the entrance of Takashimaya. So cute!

Me and my Iced Passion Tea - Coffee Club Express! Whenever we go on a 1-day shopping spree, we will always stop for afternoon tea and rest.

Mummy and her Muddy Mud Pie (before)

Mummy and her Muddy Mud Pie (after)

The next time we can shop will have to be around Xmas period, when I will be back in Singapore for 2 weeks. Haha!!! Let's do it again!

The love of my life

I guess I am one of the millions of people worldwide, who followed the US Elections very closely. No, this post is not about politicals or opinions. This post is about Mr Obama's acceptance speech right after his successful election to the White House.

Mr Obama thanked his supporters, running mate and family for their immense and unwavering support. He also thanked his wife, who is 'the love of his life' and attributed his success to her support.

I was immensely touched when I heard this sentence in his speech. Yes, I guess many, or I would say most, of us would not be what we are today without our family and loved ones. We need the moral support from them, the care and concern from them, and just their presences alone are enough to help us ride through the storm.

To the love of my life. Thank you for being there for me.

情人不是 LEGO

Was feeling a bit sad and melacholic tonight, as I listened to oldies on radio, I read another book by 张小娴. One of the paragraphs is like this:

"...你想得到一样东西，便要首先放手。
情人不是你的LEGO积木，可以让你拿在手里，砌出心中的理想模型，有时候，你只能 LET GO。
爱便是学习去放手。
当你舍弃的时候，你便拥有。
........
肉体有边界，人心却是无边界的。隔了数不清的年月之后，你终于了解，你所爱的，是无边界的东西，你不能拥有，只能等他流向你。"
*********************************************************************************************
读后感:
有一种爱叫做放手。
如果两个人有缘，就算距离很远，两颗心也贴得很紧。你心里有我，我心里有你。
你说，真爱能够缩短距离，时间和空间。
告诉我，我还能相信你吗?

Another article from 张小娴

I am back in Singapore on my monthly break. Its been raining quite frequently in Sg, and the rainy weather 'confined' me to home. I picked up some books and read...savouring each page :) I re-found meaning in some of them, one of them is this:

<和潜力恋爱> -- 张小娴

许多女人一辈子也是和男人的潜力恋爱。
她爱上的，是他的潜力。她相信这个男人将来会有她所期望的成就，他也变成她所渴望的那种人。她和一种期待恋爱，直她的期待落空了，她也失恋了。
男人不是股票，即使男人是股票，也没有一个人会笨得用自己的期望和幻想去买一支股票。女人这种动物，却会用期望和幻想去爱一个男人。
潜力即是未发生，也有可能永远不会发生的东西。只迷恋现状的女人，可能有点肤浅，只顾跟潜力恋爱得女人，又太脱离现实了。
男人爱女人的现状，女人爱男人的现状和潜力，这是无可厚非的。现状和潜力各占多少百分比，可是个智力问题。
百分之三十的现状和百分之七十的潜力，未免太危险了。
一半一半，便有一半机会会失望。
我会要百分之七十的现状和百分之三十的潜力。相信他有潜力，是相信他会和我一起进步。爱现在的他，不管将来，那么，我至少享受过他的现状，而不是跟自己的期待恋爱。
*********************************************************************************************

Miss Vy's birthday - 23 Oct 2008

I was told that there will be a lunch party, compliments from Miss Vy - our company accountant on Thursday.

VN ppl are nice and friendly, they love parties and would take turns to cook and treat friends, colleagues and family members.

When I came back to the office from Dong Nai on Thursday, I was pulled to lunch with everyone and the food item was : Banh Trang Cuon. To translate into english > it means rice paper wrapped with beef (or any meat) and vegetables. Vietnamese would dip into fish sauce, while I dip into the sauce from the beef :P

After lunch, I was then told that it was Miss Vy's birthday and that's the reason she cooked and invited us for lunch :) All of us decided to pool and buy a birthday cake for her (a surprise!).

Miss Vy and her birthday cake
From left: Miss Tu Linh, Miss Dep, Miss Mai, Miss Phuong Linh, Miss Vy, Me and Miss Huong
The birthday girl

We had a lovely afternoon as we took photos (using my HTC), sang the birthday song, cut and eat the cake. There were small cups of jello too, in different flavours (coconut, yam, cherry, fruit etc...).

Another memorable experience in VN! I will never forget it :)

Old english songs

Recently, a gf introduced me to a website where I can hear a lot of old English songs online. Hmmm...and suddenly this song appeared in my head:

Have I Told You Lately - Rod Stewart

Have I told you lately that I love you
Have I told you there's no one else above you
Fill my heart with gladness
Take away all my sadness
Ease my troubles that's what you do

For the morning sun in all its glory
Greets the day with hope and comfort too
You fill my life with laughter
And somehow you make it better
Ease my troubles thats what you do

There's a love thats divine
And its yours and its mine like the sun
And at the end of the day
We should give thanks and pray
To the one, to the one

Have I told you lately that I love you
Have I told you there's no one else above you
Fill my heart with gladness
Take away all my sadness
Ease my troubles that's what you do
*********************************************************************************************

Lovely song right? Oldies are always the best.
It brings tears to my eyes everytime I listen to it.

Have I told you lately that I love you?
Without words, I know that you know.
100% and 101%?

时事造英雄

OR

英雄造时事

Old & New Memories

For: A dearie friend who has been feeling low lately
*************************************************************************************
Memories are intricate things.

They are part of our spirit, our soul, our brain, our emotions, our feelings.

We cannot live without memories, yet we cannot live only based on memories.

Old memories are deeply embedded in our brains, we cannot forget the things that had happened, the people we had met, all laughter, all tears...

However, as we live, we will meet new people and continue to create new memories, which will create new chapters in our lives.

We should not try to erase the past. Yet we also must embrace the future.

Different stages...haha :)

Mummy used to tell me that dating is an interesting process, men will behave differently at different stages. Haha, recently, I observed this trend (from people and frens around me). One scenario is when a couple eat together in a restaurant.

1st month
Waitress put a saucer of chilli sauce on the table (for dipping).
Girl: "I need soy sauce because I cannot eat chilli."
Guy: "Excuse me, could you please give us some soy sauce?"
Waitress brought a saucer of soy sauce with cut chilli.
Guy: "Sorry, please give us soy sauce w/o chilli."

2nd to 6th month
Waitress put a saucer of chilli sauce on the table (for dipping).
Girl: "Erhm..." (gave a I-do-not-eat-chilli look)
Guy: "Excuse me, could you please give us some soy sauce?" (he said it automatically because he already knows the habit of his gf)
Waitress brought a saucer of soy sauce with cut chilli.
Guy: "Sorry, please give us soy sauce w/o chilli."

6th month onwards
Waitress put a saucer of chilli sauce on the table (for dipping).
Girl: "Erhm..."
Guy: "Excuse me, could you please give us some soy sauce?"
Waitress brought a saucer of soy sauce with cut chilli.
The guy gave the soy sauce to the girl and continued eating. The girl eyed the saucer apprehensively and gave a I-do-not-eat-chilli look.
The guy used this chopsticks and removed all the cut chilli, left only the soy sauce.
Girl: "But the sauce is still spicy..."
Guy: "Eh, you can eat Thai Tom Yum soup. Why can't you eat soy sauce with some chilli?!?!"
Girl: "Sigh..." (rolled her eyes)

风雨无阻

<风雨无阻> -- 周华健

给你我的全部
你是我今生唯一的赌注
只留下一段岁月
让我无怨无悔
全心的付出
怕你忧伤怕你哭
怕你孤单怕你孤独
红尘千山万里路
我可以朝朝暮暮

给你一条我的路
你是我一生不停的脚步
让我走出一片天空
让你尽情飞舞
放心的追逐
爱是漫长的旅途
梦有快乐梦有痛苦
悲欢离合人间路
我可以缝缝补补

提着昨日总总千辛万苦
向明天换一些美满和幸福
爱你够不够多
对你够不够好
可以要求不要不在乎
不愿让你看见我的伤处
是曾经无悔的风雨无阻
拥有够不够多
梦的够不够好
可以追求
不认输

Money and work

Recently I realized that money and work are closely related. To be more accurate, they are directly proportional.

If money is 50% good, work feeling is 50%.
If money is 100% good, work feeling is 100%.

I have spoken with many people, Dad, Mom, some frens, Anh a...and we all agreed: work = money.

Of coz, there are other reasons too: to pass time, to get in touch with society, to have satisfaction, to have a good career etc etc etc.

But when you are really fed up, stuck, frustrated with work. When office politics bug you, ppl criticized you. When problems in work keep sprouting out. When nothing is smooth....wat keeps you going >>>>> $$$

I love money. Edwin Brother, remind what we used to say? Heehee...

Please do not tell me there is anyone who does not work for $$$.

Sashimi and Wasabi

I dont eat raw food.

Salmon, tuna, wasabi...all these food are definitely out of my favourite food list.

Yesterday, i re-wrote my list and added in "raw prawns".

It was my last night in HCM and after work, Anh a brought me out for dinner at an exquisite place (it is an old Chinese teahouse, like those we see in period dramas. We sat on the 2nd floor. I'll take some pics next time!) He ordered fresh raw prawns (they call it shrimp here, but its definitely tiger prawn), deshelled, cleaned, arranged on an ice platter. The sauce was a mixture of wasabi, soy sauce with lemon.

I eyed the dish apprehensively/suspiciously and would not lift my chopsticks at all. Anh demostrated on eating the shrimp and he urged me to TRY.

Finally, I took 1 small tiny shirmp (the smallest i can find on the platter) and dipped in the sauce. Since its raw, i had to dip more so that all bacteria will be 'killed' by the wasabi. Anyway, i took a small bite...

At first, it tasted cold and salty, then choking coz of the wasabi. Its a sharp jolt to my senses, esp nose and i felt my airway cleared and then i felt shiok! I washed everything down with cold Heineken. Then i reached for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th piece....Anh a was laughing and laughing throughout...i think he enjoyed watching my expression and actions than eating it.

So, everything also has a first time. I have not tried some things before, but it does not mean i do not like them. It only means i have not grown to like them.

原来每一样东西都有第一次。

Thanks Anh a. Its really an unforgettable experience :)

Nostalgic

Suddenly, when I woke up this morning, I began to reminicise my 'old life' in SG. Not that I dislike my life in HCM now, but I miss those days at home.

Life at home (w/o work)
Exercise and breakfast
Shower and make up
Out for lunch with Mom, Aunts or frens
Shopping
Tea time
Spa or hair time
Dinner
TV/DVD
Read novels
Sleep

Life in HCM (with work)
Shower and breakfast
Work
Lunch
Work
Dinner (either cook or eat out)
Chit chat with frens
TV (if any nice movies)
Read novels
Sleep

I just feel nostalgic and i missed my relaxing and worry-free days in Sg. Yes, i know everyone must grow up one day, and we have to face life's stress and pressure. But...just sometimes...i wish i am back to the university days, when life was much simpler, when i was much more carefree (being alone and single).

Another 5 months. I must perservere till Jan 2009.

Accident

HCM has a maddening traffic system: traffic regulations are ignored, lane markings are virtually non-existent, motorcycles and cars fight for road space. The most absurb 'phenomenon' is that when vehicles need to turn right, they keep left, and then when they are about to turn, they will horn and horn to get all the right-lane-vehicles to stop, and then turn right. Totally unbelievable.

After 10 months in HCM, i had been quite safe and lucky > no accidents. Until this morning....

On my way to work in a taxi, i was reading my novel (as usual) and the driver was honking and weaving his way through the congested roads. Suddenly, there was a loud bang and a strong impact. My whole body lurched forward and i had to hold onto the front seat in order to steady myself. It seems that a motorcycle suddenly dashed out from nowhere and the taxi could not brake in time, and there was a collision. Surprisingly the motorcycle is not damaged, neither is the taxi....both driver/rider are safe. But the impact left me with a sore neck and strained back.

Is the traffic in HCM really chaotic, or is it because SG traffic is so much more normal and regulated?

Hectic days

Its 6pm HCM and i am still staring at my email inbox, with a big heavy thick file beside me.
What does this mean?
Overloaded? Busy?

These days, i m terribly busy. A colleague in my team left, others are inexperienced and I take care of the whole bulk of work. Mornings would be spent going around for appointments, afternoons would be spent in office meetings, evenings would be spent in front of my lappy. Where are those days of coffee/movies/dinners and drinks with Anh and frens?

Anh a is very busy too. He would leave his home for office at 7am, then go out to other provinces for work then return to the city only at 7pm. Often, when we eventually meet, it would be 8pm (730pm is earliest) and we would be dead tired. Dinner is no longer an enjoyable activity at restaurants, we would cook something simple or just takeaway.

Weekends are more enjoyable & relaxing, but I often nap the afternoons away and would only wake up at early evening. OMG! I am so piggy...oink oink :)

So, this is real life, heh? No wonder most ppl have no time/energy to date or get into a serious relationship > work occupies 80% of our time!!!!

Olympics & The Phelps Phenomenon

The 'in' thing now: Olympics.

Being in VN does not stop me from catching the Olympics, though the telecasting of the events here is.....below expectations. In SG, we have 6 dedicated channels for Olympics. In VN, only 2-3 channels, and the main problem is: they do not telecast the events as per schedule. There is actually NO schedule to speak of in the first place, they just telecast whatever events that are taking place at that moment. So we just gonna try out luck and go thru all channels...grrr...

Anyway, I count blessings coz they will telecast the swimming events!! I only watch out for Michael Phelps.. heehee... oh gosh! This man swims like a 'fish'...fast and furious...

3 gold medals...5 more to go...I am counting for him too :)

Happy 53rd Birthday!!

I was back in SG last week for a break and also to celebrate Daddy's bday.

I took half-day leave and enjoyed some father-daughter time with Daddy, and of coz, we watched movies (its our fave activity). Then we had family dinner tgt.

Me and Daddy. He doesn't look a day older than 45 years old...heehee...53?? Must be joking :)
Ah... family photo. NahNah, me and Dee Dee.
Edwin, Nai Nai and Me.
Just me and NahNah
'寿桃' -- Longevity Peach

According to Chinese customs, this is for the birthday boy/girl and his guests. It is to wish him/her good health and long life :)

It was a great dinner, the food was yummy (chinese food always nice), the company was fantastic. I really treasure every minute spent in Singapore with my family :)

Happy Birthday, Dee Dee!!!!!

Another month...

End of July and I m back from HCM after a month-long trip. To summarize:

What has not changed:
- My overall look (*LOL*)
- My love for home and family + frens
- My craving for local food (Laksa, Nasi Lemak, Char Kway Teow, Carrot Cake...yummy!)
- My desire to visit KBox, Kino, Spa, Facial, Hair revamp etc...to indulge myself in SG shopping!!!
- My love for my big big bed, pink bedroom, cozy house, big tv...etc
- My passion for my work (though it varies from time to time, LOL)
- Anh a

What has changed:
- My complexion (somehow it deteriorates...F1 F1 Aunt Angela!!)
- My hair (my bob has outgrown)
- My temper (somehow I m easily irritated and less able to self-control)
- My energy levels (it has decrease, i feel more sleepy and easily lethargic these days)

Need to recharge, re-energize and refresh before the trip back to VN (soon..) again...Argh....Other than the nice cafes, some close frens, Anh a...nothing appeals to me in HCM anymore...how can i re-find the adrenalin in work again??!!

Reflections

I am sitting at Gloria Jeans now, enjoying some time for coffee and emails.

Sitting here, I suddenly realized how tired I am, how exhausted I have become. My eyes are droopy, my head feels heavy, my whole body is aching...nothing feels good. The most important thing: I have forgotten how to smile (from my heart).

Recently, my happiness is build on certain things. Some small things can bring a sparkle to my day and i will cheer up instantly. But if 1 small bad thing happen, my mood will take a 180-deg turn at once. Most often than not, my emotions will be built around 1 person.

As usual, a stupid misunderstanding sparked a argument between us again. As I lay in bed thinking the whole night, I cannot find any answer as to why we can quarrel over such a small thing and which does not even constitute a problem. Finally the answer dawns on me: understanding and communication. This is a difficult period, anything done and said is wrong.

My way of communication is too pressing. Too much Q are asked, too much that I want to know. And the more I cannot find out, the more i want to know.

His way of expressing is too ________. He wants to feel smooth to talk, feel smooth to share, feel natural to call. The more i ask/call, the more he escapes.

Maybe the 'old fashioned' way is still correct. Guys should chase after girls, girls must not turn around and chase guys.

Some thoughts for me to chew on.

Geri is in town

Yeah! Geri is in town.

My sister had flown into HCMC this morning for 4D3N, for a short break (before uni starts) and also to accompany me :)

i have already plan the activities, dinners, cafes we are going...hehehe...

Also, another thing to note: I re-start my fitness workout today, coz I checked into a hotel with gym (small but enough). Haha... in HCM, its hard to run outdoors coz of the weather and air pollution (unless u get up real early, abt 5am). So i had to use the gym.

Mood: Very very happy
Time on treadmill: 30 mins
Speed: 6km/hr
Inclination: 4.0

Small things

Humans are funny creatures...it is weird how we can get angry or happy over small things.

Sometimes, i feel really fed up and irritated, over the most trivial thing or a sentence. I will get into a pek chek and unreasonable mood, and argue with him.

Sometimes, the little things people do can brighten up my day instantly. Even if it is a small gesture or a sms, I feel happier and more cheerful instantly.

Then i realized....its actually all in the mind. Our brain controls our emotions and reactions. Whether to be happy or sad, 80% depends on our mind power.

As Anh a said, "Stay positive, think positively".

Back at home

Yeah, i m back home in SG.

Yeah, i feel happier and busier.

Yeah, i really love my home. Nothing beats my own home, family and frens.

Keke...must enjoy my short short stay in SG :)

I Love You -- by Joanna Wang

I love this song.

I still remember that someone sang the Chinese version (by David Tao) to me before. It was very very long ago, on a night when we were chatting online. Suddenly he sang the song and I was surprised (well, a bit shocked too). The warm feeling touched my heart and at that time, I really like him.

So many years later.. now, i still love this song. And I love the English version, by Joanna Wang. The music is the same, the lyrics is still penned by David Tao and has the same meaning.

But the person in my heart is not the same person anymore. My feeling when I listen to this song is different, the face that comes to my mind when the song is played is also different. This time, the feeling is stronger, and its a mixture of happiness, sadness and bitterness. I really love him.

Anh a, this is for you:

王若琳- i love you

I love you
Say we're together baby
You and me

I can only give my life and show you all i am in the breath i breathe
I will promise you my heart and give you all you need if it takes some time
If you tell me you don't need me anymore
That our love won't last forever
I will ask you for a chance to try again
To make our love a little better

I love you
Say we're together, baby
Say we're together, woh~~

I need you
I need you forever baby
You and me

Say you hardly know exactly who i am so hard to understand
I knew right from the start
The way i felt inside
If you read my mind
If you tell you don't need me anymore
That our love won't last forever
I will ask you for a chance to try again
To make our love a little better

I love you
Say we're together, baby
Say we're together, woh~~

I need you
I need you forever baby
You and me

Remember when you used to hold me
Remember when you made me cry
You said you loved me
Oh~~
You did
Yes you do

I love you
Say we're together, baby
Say we're together, woh~~

I need you
I need you forever baby
You and me

Slee

Recently, I have sleeping problems. Just can't sleep!!

I will lie on my bed, counting sheep, listening to soft music, reading books etc...i try every means and ways, but i just CAN'T sleep!!! Argh~~~

Sometimes I will drift off to sleep but I will soon wake up again, and continue to stare at the ceiling, listening to any activity out of my room (which is nearly zero, cause its so late at night). My brain starts to wander again, and i will start thinking again...all the problems come back to me...and i can't sleep anymore... a vicious cycle :P

Now i have flu, and i m taking flu medicine, which makes me drowsy and able to sleep. Tried that last night, popped 1 pill before i shower and within 30 mins, i m knocked out. But as the medicine wore off, i woke up at 4am again.

Hours clocked on 26/5/08: 5 hrs

How can i sleep well??? Any recommendations?

Short homecoming, party, family...& a lot more!!

Last wkend, I flew back home to celebrate Mummy's and Edwin's birthdays. It was a big big surprise for Mama :) The look on her face when she saw me was INDESCRIABLE. Being a mother, the first thing she said was ,"OMG! Did something happen to you in HCM that makes you come home suddenly?" Heehee, it is just to surprise her and spend time with her :)

Agenda: To celebrate Mummy's and Brother's bdays
Duration: 830pm Friday till 12noon Sunday

I mmust attribute this to Bro's generous sponsorship :) Thanks!!

Edwin's 21st bday party was at Aquamarine @ Marina Mandarin. He invited the whole family plus his sch frens > a party of 20. As soon as everyone settled down, we began to 'attack' the food. When i say attack, i really mean it! Coz we were so hungry and could not resist the temptation of food...glorious glorious food~~

I was Edwin's PA, event organizer, planner, camera lady and even spokeswoman for the day. And i must say that my 'Client' is pleased with my A *** contribution :)

Photos:

Picture is a bit blur...but its me and Mummy :)

My dear parents

The 2 birthday stars

Group photo
Cutting the cake. Edwin specially ordered a strawberry shortcake for Mummy :)
I like this pic the most! See how Mummy holds my hand while she blew the candles.

Granny's 4 diamonds (as she calls us): Edwin, me, Jon, Geri

Edwin handing out "Thank You" gifts to everyone

Sharing a strawberry

It was a great party > sumptous food, wonderful ambience, fantastic company and attentive service from the restaurant (who took care of our whims and needs).

Family gatherings are really enjoyable and fun. Its a great way to gather together and chit-chat, filling in each other on the details and happenings, to savour tasty food together. And most of all, I am sure the older generation would love to see their children, grandchildren be together (as we are often busy with our own daily lives).

Kinship is the most important in the world!

Reminisence

It is weird how I reminisence some things and my heart still flutters...hehehe...last wkend, i had the chance to re-live a date which i would never forget... at a beach resort..

I still vividly remember the first time we went there, it was impromptu and by a cab. It took us more than 1 hr to reach there and we were exhausted (in addition of a long day's work). We spent the whole wkend (sat and sun) there. Strolling along the beach, eating fresh seafood with ice-cold Heineken, lying on the chairs and just listening to the waves and feel the sea breeze. And of coz, enjoy the cafes there (something not to be missed in VN). All these are even more perfect when you have a perfect companion :)

Last wkend, we went to the beach again. This time it was planned (well... by him, and i was kept in the dark till the last min) and we ride there instead of cab. According to him, it is to 'enjoy the scenery on the way, and also to stop for coffee and rest - a nice experience'. So off we went, and it took us 4 hrs to reach!

The weather was perfect, light drizzle accompanied by warm sunshine. Not too sweltering hot, not too wet and gloomy too. Just nice :) Coffee, seafood (lots of prawns, crabs and even baby lobsters), jokes, laughter...very very enjoyable... the best experience was on Sunday morn, when we went a bit further to buy seafood from a wholesaler, and it was cooked by them and packed into bags. We took the seafood, found a nice spot along the coastline and finished everything with bottles of Heineken.

There were many families there too, parents brought their kids out for family gathering. Adults were chatting and eating, while children enjoyed the sun, beach, sea and games. As a 'spectator', i also feel the happiness and contentment radiating from them. Happiness in life is really made up from simple pleasures :)

Lying on the reclining chairs, listening to the waves, enjoying the sea breeze, chatting with him, sharing feelings...I savour every minute and I guess, I will never tire of it.... :)

Favourite Quotes

Recently, I have the habit of reading and notting down quotes...heehee...another phase la...

I found these online:

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."

"You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving."

"You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly."

Belated piggy-day post

Haha, my pig day was last month - 26 Apr, but i waited till now to post the pictures...reason..

Coz i wanna let all my frens see me in person first, before they see my photos. Why?? Coz i cut my hair...yes...short length...yes...no more curls...yes la...i 'regain' my straight look..

Now...my pictures...

Happy Birthday, Piggy!
Mummy and Piggy
Daddy and Piggy
Mummy bought me a pink tulip...haha...my fave flower :)
Family dinner...I love this restaurant, they moved place and I managed to locate the new address!! Their dishes are delicious and healthy, using chinese herbs and ingredients..yum yum :P

That day, it was a big match day too - Chelsea VS Man Utd. There was a live screening of the match at Clarke Quay. Being the ever-loyal MU fan, Dad wanted to watch and cheer for his team. But it was pig day so he could not catch the match on tv at home. In order not to disappoint him, I booked a table in front of the projector screen for him to watch the match after dinner. Accompained by Mummy, me, yummy chicken wings and drinks, Daddy was a happy man that night (a bit sad when MU lost la).
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If you know me well enough...you will know that pig day is never celebrated in one day...haha...my celebrations and dinners will last before and after the actual pig day. Especially since I am rarely in town now, I cant wait to catch up with all my frens...heehee...

Dinner with my dears from NUS --

Back (from left): Wenjia, TingTing, Jingyuan
Jingyuan and I: she prefers my long curly locks...heehee :P
Tingting and I: Ah...a wonderful fren...heehee, we share a lot together *winkz*

Wenjia and I: Can't have any gathering without her...we are a group of 4!!

My dears were so nice..they asked me to pick the dinner place and treated me to glorious glorious food...yummy...it has been ages since I ate Sichuan food and I had my fill that night. As Wenjia is from Sichuan, we had a good feast of all the famous Sichuan food...yummy :)

More posts to follow...Melbourne trip.....

Love is a package

This came to my mind one day :)

When you love someone...

You enjoy the happiness,
Also share the sadness.

You love his strong points,
But must also accept his flaws.

Love is a package, we cannot only enjoy the sweetness and forget the bitterness.
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A quote that I like:
"Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things."
~Paul (A.D. First Century) 1 Corinthians 13:4-7~

Improvement

Some close frens and family have been asking if I am alright after they read my posts :P

Thanks for everyone's concern :) I am fine now, sorry to make all of you worry. Without all of u, I would not have felt better so fast.

I am feeling better than the past few weeks, not so moody anymore. Nothing disastrous happened actually, just that I need time to adjust and adapt to the new situation and environment. Some things which I used to do in the past cannot be done now. Just a small passing phase in life :P

I was tidying my desk at home last wkend, and chanced upon the calender on which I marked down the dates I was outstationed in HCM. OMG! Since last Oct till this March, I have been spending almost 80% of my time in HCM, and less than 1 week per month in SG :P No wonder Mummy and Daddy miss me so much.

For April, I will be in SG, and the next biz trip will be 12 May. I guess this trip will be a new and different experience for me, though I am going back to the same country. The working env will be different, colleagues are new, also a new working partner in sales. Even my life after work will be different. All these take another bout of adapation... :P

Oh..I will be posting photos from Melbourne trip and bday soon, but I want to keep the pictures a 'secret' until I am back in VN, coz some ppl have not seen my new haircut and I want to see their expressions first hand when they see me in person (instead of seeing thru photos). Hahahaha~~~~

Vaccum period

Recently, I am feeling nothing. Yes, nothing.

Since returning from HCM..

Life is different since 1 Apr... I am back in SG, away from VN, not working (for now).

To note the differences:
1. The air is cleaner and fresher, no more honkings of motorcycles. I also can understand the language ppl speak (in English or Chinese), no more incomprehensible signboards, I am able to order (independently) what i want to eat from the menu.
2. I am with my family and frens, able to call them out for lunches/dinners any time. No longer need to think what i do during wkends, no need to wait for ppl to ask me out, no need to worry when i take taxis.
3. I must get used to a different momentum and way of living. Not as carefree as before, not able to go out as and when i want, not able to go in and out when i like.
4. No more chatting on phone or sms with him. Not able to see him when I want, not able to talk a lot with him coz its just hard to chat over the phone with the limited time we have. Feelings must be kept until we meet again, kisses can only be given to our phones.

I guess this is the withdrawal period after being outstation for some time. A change in env, change in social groups and most impt, a change in lifestyle.

I need more time to get used. But by the time i am used to this, I will have to go back to HCM again...sigh...my life will reverse again :P

Updates

Just came back from HCM last Tuesday, and am undergoing a transition in work, environment, everything....the only factor unchanged is my family :) Still so supportive and caring, and I am beginning to really enjoy and savour the warmth at home.

Work was not too smooth sailing some weeks ago, certain changes made me consider moving on. Finally, I have an offer and decided to give it a try. Same job scope, same country (VN). Just a different company and different colleagues. No more comfort zone, no one to really look after me, I have to learn to be more independent and survive in a foreign country with an incomprehensible language.

Personal relationship is not that fantastic. Some things are better to let go, my brain said so. But i wanna hold on to it, hold on to something so dear and close to me, my heart told me. Everyday is a struggle between my brain and heart.

Was I strong and independent in the past? Did i portray an infalliable image and make everyone think that I can make swift decisions and be firm? Maybe it is just a facade, coz only now, then I know how weak I am.Strong in work, weak in love > this is the real me. A close fren used to tell me, "Its ok. Because you are still a woman." Can it be explained like this?

Questions running through my mind...pictures of the future appearing in my mind...let me think carefully..

时间使人忘记爱情 -- 张小娴

一个女孩子来信说，她看了《雪地里的蜗牛奄列》之后，不明白书里这两句：

“爱情使人忘记时间，时间也使人忘记爱情。”

当你爱上一个人，你会忘记时间存在。你可以每天二十四小时跟他一起。你不介意花十四小时乘飞机从香港到美国跟他见一面，然后又匆匆赶回来。为了跟他见面，你会把重要会议延期，把重要的工作放在一旁。你们约会之后，还可以拿着电话筒聊到天亮。

爱情使人忘记时间流逝。你会忘记自己的年纪。六十岁的人也会以为自己只有十八岁。你会许下一生一世的承诺，忘记时间会改变一切。

然而，时间流逝，也会使人忘记爱情曾经存在。两个人一起的日子久了，爱情一点一滴的消逝。他忘记了这些年来他多么爱你，他忘记了你们曾经多么快乐，也忘记了你们一起经历了许多事情。忘记了，所以他爱上了别人。

当时间过去，我们忘记了我们曾经义无反顾地爱过一个人，忘记了他的温柔。忘记了他为我做的一切。我对他再没有感觉，我不再爱他了。为什么会这样？原来我们的爱情败给了岁月。

首先是爱情使你忘记时间，然后是时间使你忘记爱情。

读后感：告诉我，我要怎么忘记你？

某年某天某地 -- 张小娴

女孩说，她和她喜欢的人现在不能一起，她希望某年某天。他们可以在某地重新开始。

真的可以吗？

我们说某年某天某地的时候，总是怀抱着一个希望，同时也有点绝望，如果现在可以，何须等到某年某天？

某年某天是什么时候，谁又知道？有时候，时间对了，地点却不对；地点对了，时间却不对；时间和地点都对了，心情却不对。

现在不自由，她只能寄望某年某天在某地跟他再开始。也许，当他自由了。她却不自由；当她自由了，又轮到他不自由。当他和她都自由了，他们却在两个不同的地方，没有遇上。地点对了，他和她都自由，可是，那时他们都变了。

他们不是说过“某年某天某地”的吗？原来那是绝望时候的一星火光。我爱你，我深深相信我们的缘分未尽，某年某天某地，我们会再遇，你要好好的生活……我们含泪道别，努力活下去，迎接重逢的一刻。

可惜，所有的重逢，都是想像比现实美丽的。

期待重逢的两个人，已经各自爱上另一个人。直到某年某天，他们在某地相遇，才想起某年某天，他们曾经有一个约定。

读后感：我可以相信我们之间的约定吗？你要我相信你，要有信仰，你说只有这样，我们才可以一路走下去，勇敢的面对将来。可是等待是一种煎熬，现在不能在一起，必须约定在未来，这是一种绝望。也许，某年某天某地，我们真的会相遇，在那时，我们的感觉还会那么强烈吗？

CNY 2008 ~ Part 1

I went back to SG for 2 weeks, during CNY period. Heehee, to enjoy the warmth and love, enjoy being with family and frens. As I am away for long periods now, they shower more love and care on me (thank you!) and try to make time to go out with me too!! Ahh....I m truly blessed :)

Papa and Mama knew my cravings for dim sum and treated me to a sumptous meal at Wan Hao....where the best dim sum (to me and family) are served..yum yum...i was looking forward to the treat even before i arrived in SG!!

At Marriott Hotel's lobby
The daily dim sum display (a norm at Wan Hao)
Tantalizing dessert
Papa and Mama

I also met up with Liwen, my dearest fren + sister, for dinner and chit-chat, also to pre-celebrate her bday. We are long time frens since Sec 1 and I must say that our frenship is still going strong (and stronger) after so many years... Happy Birthday, Kuah ^_^

On CNY's eve, we went for our usual family lunch at a restaurant, followed by a movie and some shopping. Then we will go to Granny's house for the highly-anticipated reunion dinner :)

La Mian! Xiao Long Bao!!! Here i come!!

Me and Geraldine at Granny's place for reunion dinner
Mama enjoying her dinner Geralding and Edwin
Granny (left) and Uncle, Aunt during dinner

On first day of CNY, we will go to the temple in the morning to pray and ask for blessings. This year, we were lucky and manged to se the lion dance. Heehee... hope that this year will be a properous and lucky year!

Flowers @ the temple

2nd day of CNY, we went to A-Ma's house and meet my aunts and cousins. After that, we will go out for family dinner and other activities.

(From left) Rainbow, me, Starry, Mummy

Me and Mummy at Copthorne Orchid Hotel lobby

Family dinner + Liwen (our VIP)

Overall, I had an enjoyable and happy CNY. After being away for 1 month in HCM, I fully appreciate and treasure every min of family time together.

Will post more on Sentosa Flower Fair in my next post :)