For SALE

Helping G to sell this BRAND NEW Nikon Coolpix S220 with packaging still intact.
* All proceeds will go towards my bag-fund =)

A mega candle

Today is my birthday!


Nothing out of the ordinary... except this is the first time I am working on my birthday. Have been planning for a few trips so not much leave to spare... in any case, I will be bumming in Cambodia this time tmr =)

The morning was uneventful, some firefighting to sort work out before I go on leave... Had an early lunch with KC and PS. Upon my return, I found my colleagues outside the office and was warned not to enter cos there was a 'fire'! The office smelled horrible and after hanging around for a while (during which I briefed CC on some analysis), I decided to head for home since G was on leave. PY was leaving at the same time with his precious toy collection!

Thanks to my friends and colleagues, I enjoyed the food at Sakuraya Fish Market, Spruce, Cedele, Asaki, Valentinos.... am now waiting for the 'delivery' of my new running shoes and this is my present from G:

A happy week

Shopping and chilling...

G now has a new bag that looks sporty yet comes with a laptop comparent. There are also added features like detachable reflective strips but I doubt these would be used. I am glad I brought him to the shop at Queensway shopping centre to select a model instead of surprising him with the bag =)
I also ordered a pair of running shoes for myself through PS. Expecting them to arrive in a couple of weeks' time but I had not been jogging anyway cos I am still rid of a sore throat/cough though I feel quite fine now...

Tried out a spanish restaurant at Lor Kilat and loved it! Am planning to return for the sunday branch. Their sangria is a must-try if you are keen to go there. We ordered 2 tapas and shared a seafood paella and were too full for dessert! Also met R and SL at a tea-place along Seah street. We wanted to find out for ourselves after reading mixed reviews online and I am disappointed with the overpriced tea and food. The masala tea I tried is definitely not value for money though the cucumber sandwich is somewhat special...

Nature...
Went with G and in-laws to MacRitchie for a walk and what a surprise! Bumped into MY along the trail and I honestly can't tell that she is already 7 months into her pregnancy! Good thing I had my camera along and we captured the moment =)

Talk to the hand (for now)

Over lunch a couple of days ago, N commented in a grave tone about our population decline being a national crisis and encouraged me to start trying for bb. Nothing new here except that when I lamented about the cost of bringing up kids, PY chipped in about having the moral courage to do the right thing....

Separately, I overheard 2 teenage boys' conversation:
A: I think you spend more on food than girls
B: Well, that's true cos I can be satisfied after spending money on food but not necessarily on girls...

Really not my business to comment on his choice. Likewise, G, mummy and concerned friends, leave me alone on the bb issue! I will do the right thing when the time to right =)

Top of the World

The trip to Sabah finally materialised after it was postponed in Feb. Had a good time and tried out new things like white (more like brown) water rafting, climbing a mountain and catching a glimpse of the rafflesia. The climb must be the most memorable part of the trip and it was tough, even though KK is supposed to be an 'easy' mountain to summit....

We started THE DAY at Celyn Resort with a fabulous view of the entire mountain range. I felt in awe of KK but maintained my determination to summit Low's Peak. After breakfast, we met Miki, driver and friend, to head for park HQ to pick up our guide en route to Mesilau. Some shots at the start of the day:




We were blessed with fine weather so the climb up via Mesilau was beautiful. Even though the trail could be difficult at times with steep steps, our spirits were high and the distance was not felt. Nonetheless, I was so looking forward to reaching the 5.5 km intersection with the Timpohon route, the first milestone. At the same time, it was timely for a longer break to consume our packed lunch even though we were not that hungry but it helped to lighten the load for our guide cum porter Yasuan. Along the way, we met 4 other Singaporeans, a group of 11 Koreans and countless number of Malaysians. We later found out through new friends, Y & J that they were climbing to raise funds for charity and one of their group members had summited KK 9 times already!


Pressing on after lunch, the remaining 1.5 km to the Laban Rata guesthouse seemed to take forever. At times, I felt the inner child voice asking "Are we there yet?" and would ask Yasuan for an estimate of our distance to LR. He was ever so patient and encouraging though he spoke little English and our Malay is plain weak! We finally glimpsed LR from the trail and pressed on as it was starting to get chilly. After nearly 8 hours, we reached LR at about 4.30 pm n rested for a while before dinner was served. Sleep was the only post-dinner activity but the bed was cold and for some unknown reason wet =( Tried as I did but sleep was elusive thanks to the fierce howling winds outside.



Despite not feeling rested, I woke with enthusiasm - it is time to summit! =) The remaining 2.5 km up was really the most difficult part of the climb, being steep n dark. Shortly after passing the checkpoint, it started to drizzle and our pace was slowed by a frequent need to stop and catch our breaths... doubts started to creep in but I am proud to say that I tried my hardest and eventually managed to reach Low's Peak! Alas, there was no sunrise to marvel at but it was still worthwhile just to know that I did it...

Happy thoughts are ....

a surprise bouquet from G


a new arrangement



and the trip to Sabah in a few hours time! =)

UnDecIded

This is the latest arrangement but I am ambivalent about it.
I like the anthurium but not the baskia. I like the purple static but not the ann black.

What do you think?

Regardless, I am motivated to visit the nursery again this weekend!