08.08.08 - National Day Eve / Beijing Olympic Games 2008

Feeling good today as i am really looking forward to the long weekend for rest.

Anyway, it's national day eve. And i have a quiz for everyone. If you know the answer, please drop me a comment. Got Prize one !!!

This is a quiz that i have prepared for my office team building exercise - extracted from a book as well as uniquely singapore

Lil Island Quiz

Chicken Feet (1 mark each)
1. Who is the first singapore idol.
2. Tallest Hotel in Singapore
3. how many public holidays are there in each year in sin
4. The most common chinese surnames in singapore
5. What is singapore national language
6. What are the 5 cs every singaporean is supposed to aspire to
7. name the company founded in 1989 by olivia lum has now become a multi million dollar company in the field of water treatment

So So Lah (2 mark each)
1. The hotel was formerly known as Dynasty Hotel
2. Buildings in Singapore cannot be higher than 280 metres. Name the three buildings of that height.
3. Singapore second largest chinese dialect group
4. what is the offical residence of the president of sin
5. in which park would you find speakers' corner
6. Tan Howe Liang won a silver medal in the Olympic Games in Rome in 1960. What catergory is that ?
7. which MRT station other than changi airport was added to the east west line with the completion of the changi airport extension in 2002

Sweat Man (3 mark each)
1. which restaurant in sin claim credits for inventing the black pepper crab
2. The highest grossing locally made movie of all time
3. how much can a first offender be fined for jaywalking?
4. singapore first budget airline and is now merged with jetstar
5. what is the oldest foreign bank still operating in sin since 1858
6. robert kwan developed the franchise of which fast food chain in singapore, opening the first outlet in 1979
7. which hdb new town has a name meaning prosperous harbour in chinese

Bonus Questions
1. what does the acronym OTOT stands for (quiz 42)/ LRT (quiz 119)
2. which shopping mall is the only one open 24 hours
3. name the american teenager caned for vandalism in 1994
4. what is special about the windows in LRT trains

Have fun !!! Wishing Singapore a happy birthday :)

Thank you to my dearest friends

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all my dearest friends for their very thoughtful gifts and cards that they have brought for me for my birthday. I am truly grateful and thankful to GOD for your warm and kind gesture that you have showered me on my birthday. In no particular order, my thanks you list

1. My family - esp thank to my nephew, he brought me a dog poster when he visited the SPCA. He is very sweet :)

2. My hubby - he brought me a bag 2 months before my birthday

3. My best friend - KL brought me a ipod pouch from my favourite brand, thanks for pampering on me

4. My best friend - Audra brought me my favourite precious moment figurine. Really remind me of my beloved twinkle.

5. My dearest sista - Tracy brought me a lovely Glass Worktop. V handy that i can use for my handicraft. She really know me best

6. My beading buddy - Lilin brought me a metallic pouch to match with my metallic bag

7. My Mum kaki - Khim brought me a fish cook book. Very thoughtful gift as i am so in to fish diet.

8. My Angel friend - Merlinda brought me a reuseable bag with a dog on it. I am going to bring this to japan :)

9. My baking buddy - Cass handmade a photo frame that reminds me of the sweet friendship that we shared

10. My thoughtful friend - Chermain brought me a romantic candle light. I could use this for next valentine celebration

11. My dearest Louise - brought me a lovely necklace. Great mind think alike. In fact, i have a smiliar one too, but different colour thou.

12. My new found friend K.A - Thanks for the sporty shirt, it's my favourite brand :)

Unfortunately, i am not able to share all the pictures. Once again, thanks all !!

Thanks God for a blessed birthday - Part two

I was really blessed to have a great fellowship team in office. They are the greatest pillar of support and encouragement to me since i agree to take on the role in helping to organise the fellowship session in office.

Especially thanks to Michele and Cass for coordinating the july birthday celebration. It was a truly awesome lunch session - A DIY popiah party, so wholesome home cooked food. I really appreciate their hard work and effort in making this such a special occasion for the 4 of us. And indeed, Cass is such a talented lady - the sweet secret lookalike strawberry shortcake from cass's bakery.

And not forgotting the pampering and princess treatment that Susan has given me. She wrap a super sumptuous popiah for me, without me even have to dirty my hands.

Thanks God for such a wonderful group of sisters and brothers in christ. Amen !!!!

Birthday Cake

I chanced upon this patisserie at takashimaya basement when a quaint little cake caught the attention of my eyes. It was one of my favourite fruit - longan. And immediately i had made this request to my hubby to buy me this cake for my birthday. It was true an indulgence for me - for someone who enjoy logan so much to satisfy my birthday fang. It was simply heavenly and sweet as the giver :)

Thanks God for a blessed birthday

Gosh, time just flew past so quickly. One more candle to add to my birthday cake. One year wiser :)

I am the blessed one. I thank God for all my loves one - My family, my best friend, my colleagues in office whom remembered my birthday and spend the time and effort to celebrate with me.

First of all, thanks my best friend for driving me to vittles. I have heard so much from Tracy about the free flow of pop corn. That pop corn that she raved about. I finally try it

Secondly, thanks for my family whom keep me company for 5 hours of non stop singsation at Kbox. Yes, Music has always been a big part of my life :)

Last but not least, thanks to my beloved colleagues whom painstakingly planned for such a heartwarming surprised birthday bash for me at Jerry & Grill.

Green Tea Freak !!

I must have been bitten by a green tea bug that it has turned me into a Green Tea Monster. I brought so much green tea confectionary at one go at a recent Green Tea Fare at NTUC finest. It was one of my favourite supermart that i always go. Not crowded and near my place. It used to be a normal NTUC outlet therefore, i really welcome the make over and it always so much things to check out there and i will always make it a point to check out the different fare from time to time.

Where to draw "THE LINE"

Last week, we had a team building dinner, or rather, i should say thank you dinner. Cos' our company did well for the past two quarters and hence, the entire department get to splurge on a team dinner. It was the Line at Shangrila. It was the first ever thank you dinner since our company got acquired by a private investor. It was also the first time i am meeting our VP. And having to put the many names to faces. After dealling with many of the colleagues over time, i just got to know their names without knowing who they are. Anyway, thanks to Pauline who organised the dinner. It was a great choice. I have been wanting to try the line, finally i got the chance. And whatsmore, such a luxurious dinner. Hopefully, our company can continue to do well and get more and more of such dinner :)

happy father's day

It was a diferent father's day celebration for me this year. I got to celebrate with somebody father's aka my brother. Alto, he is not my father, he is a father himself. My parents went with my other brother to KL for a short trip. And therefore, i took leave at work and meet my brother for lunch and we picked our favourite food - japanese food. Alto, the food does not taste as good as my brother sounds it. I thank God for such a great brother that i have. And also, thanks God for my dad. My dad is a man of few words and my dad hardly raise his voice on us. He is always a very hardworking and meek man. And always been our role model at home. And truly thanks God for such a great father, just like to wish my dad a happy father day and enjoy great health always. And not forgetting all my guys friend who is a father already - Edmund, Arthur, Larry, Daniel etc and of course, Father to be - Eric yeong and Eric Kuan :) This day is for you - the superhero in your kid's dictionary

New Yorker :)

It was always a long beeline when i walked past New York New York @ City Link. And finally, i have decided for this place to celebrate justina birthday. The menu was fantastic and we were really spoilt for choice. What really fascinated me was the big big breakfast that was available all day round. What i always enjoy a group dinner was the dessert - we can get to try different dessert by sharing. If you are a great choc fan then, u must try the Deep Fried Mars Bar, guarantee that you will turn into a Saint after trying.

A prayer for my mother

Recently, my mum fell sicked. She had a bad cough and is on the road to recovery. Hence, beside praying for her, I was hoping to do something for her to cheer her up. Therefore, I have decided to make some dessert for her. I saw this receipe during one of the cooking show made for mother's day. And i had resolute to try this for next year mother's day. Well, it is just in time now - the hasima dessert. I modify the receipe a little - I added red dates, dried logan & wolfberry (thanks to my mother in law whom gave some to me a few months ago). Anyway, this is really nothing compared to the love that she has showered me over the years. When i watched her drink the dessert, warm thoughts of my mother's love overwhelmed me, I think the best "practical" medicine that i could give her now is to spend more time with her.

Just a request from me to all my friends out there - please also pray alongside with me for a full complete healing for my mother (Thanks a zillon)

Tai Tai Session Part IV

It has been a long time since the Tai Tai get to gether for a bakeout session. Finally, we have the priviledge to get together at "Cass Baking School" for a great baking session today. Recently, Cass had a makeover at her home and i was truly impressed and like her new home. It was truly made for a great chief like cass. So cosy and so motivated to bake at her new place.

Today we tried two receipes, see results :)

And we had chicken rice for luncheon today. Thanks to the great chef - Cass. Her nimble hands are truly amazing. Thanks Cass for the kind hospitality and look forward to our next session.

Low Carbo diet

I was recently under a low carbo spell, all credits shall go to Arthur and Larry. They are simply such bad influence. Suddenly it dwell on me that i have never been very health conscious. That explains why i have put on 5 kg in the past few weeks. Anyway, I chanced upon this article on the straits time on tues - "Mind your body"and i think of my two health conscious pal. Hence, i wanted to share this piece of information with all of the people out there who wants to be health conscious too

Nutritional Value

1) Rice - one cup (158g) of cooked enriched white rice contains

Calories: 205
Protein: 4g
Fat: Trace Amounts
Calcium: 16mg
Iron: 1.9mg
Carbohydrates: 45g



2) Potatoes - one baked potato, without skin (156g) contains

Calories: 145
Protein: 3g
Fat: Trace Amounts
Calcium: 8mg
Iron: 0.5mg
Carbohydrates: 34g



3) Pasta - one cup (140g) of cooked enriched spaghetti contains

Calories: 197
Protein: 7g
Fat: 1g
Calcium: 10mg
Iron: 2mg
Carbohydrates: 40g



4) Bread - five slices (125g) of untoasted white bread contain

Calories: 335
Protein: 10g
Fat: 5g
Calcium: 135mg
Iron: 3.5mg
Carbohydrates: 60g

Cheers to good health :)

Milk Shak~ing good

Milkshake sounds like an alien terminlogy to me. To be honest, i have never try any milk shake in my life. Until recently, i was being introduced to it by two milk shake fanatics - Arthur and Larry. And finally, i have a chance to try that out at Swensen. Good choice indeed since Swensen has many variety when it comes to ice cream. And certainly one is spoilt for choice with that 21 flavors :)

I really recommend you to try it out, but do it with your friend so that you can share and exchange the different variety at one go

P.S. if you have a low tolerance for lactose, i suggest you give this a miss

A special tribute to Mother

In the bible, under Proverbs 31:28 "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her"

Indeed, I thank God for a wonderful mother who has mould my heart. I am thankful that I am bestowed with such a wonderful mother, who instil the right values in me, giving me love and always encouraging me. And giving me the best in life. My mother give me strength to face difficulties in life, taught me to be positive when I had a tough time, giving me rooms to be creative and a big heart to those who are in need of help. And she give me love so that i could love others too. What I can give back to her is insignificant compared to the those she has given me. I wanted to dedicate this day to her. Wishing her good health and happiness in life
Mummy, I love you !!!

And may I send this love today to all my friends who is also a mother - Kailing, Tracy (mum to be), Khim, Joanne, Lilian, Geok Lian and many more. This day is for you too :)

Kawaii Japanese Snack - Part two

Recently, I chanced upon an article that introduced about a store that sells nothing, but Japanese Snack. This store is located at Great World City. GWC is quite out of the place for many shoppers but because i am a japanese snacks manic, i decided to check out that store. And i have decided to try those that was featured in the mag. It was a good choice indeed. I think the japanese are always very generous in their ingredients. It is always a delightful experience trying out all the various variety of the japanese snacks. But definitely, the price is steep too :)

Shokudo Food Bazaar

I wonder if my dearest friends - Tracy & Merlinda know about this very exciting place as i know that they are also a great japanese food fan like me :)

I met up recently with Jennifer & Lorriane for dinner and Jenn recommended this place at Raffles City. I heard about this place but i have tried it myself. It is akin to Marche whereby there is a lot of variety for you to choose. Ranging from Omu rice to Ramen to Hot Plate, to even Japanese Pasta. Not forgetting the japanese dessert too. I think it is an excellant place to check out if you are also a great japanese food fan.

The only set back is the quening system. Try it and you will know what i mean :(

Anyway, it is still a good choice and we know we can always count on jennifer for her recommendation

Happy 9th year Anniversary !!

it's something worth celebrating after working for 9 years straight in a company after i graduated from the uni. In fact, after the many re-org, i counted myself lucky that i survived thru the changes and found a great boss that i am currently working for. Alto work is getting hectic, i am beginining to love my job a little more than yesterday. The only sad note is that i realised thru out the years, i begin to lost a lot of friends as they started to move on. Esp my lunch mate of 9 years, Jennifer. Anyway, i know that is part and parcel of life.

Anyway, sad note aside, my husband brought me a receipe diary from Borders as a gift to commemorate this day :)

Bye Bye to my "P" plate

I considered obtaining a driving license as my greatest achievement. It is definitely something worth celebrating. I finally pass my driving one year ago at the third attempts. with the great help of my superb driving instructor - Raymond, whom never give up on me even though how stupid i might be. One precious lesson that i learnt despites the disappointment of failing many attempts is determination. So to celebrate this event, i picked my favourite japanese food @ Iciban. And most importantly, i can finally retired my P plate and give it to my best friend whom driving test is on 9 march. Good Luck to Kailing :)

Chinese New Year gift for my folks

This year i wanted to get something different for my folks and in laws as chinese new year gifts. And i chanced upon the new year catalogue and saw this very auspicious looking cake that i m quite sure that my folks will like it. It's the mandarin orange brownie cake by Jack's Place. And it is not too expensive considering the festive season. Anyway, this is the year of Rat. So i would like to wish all my friends and family:

"鼠"不尽的受获,

"鼠"不尽的辛福,

"鼠"不尽的美满生活

Happy New Year !!!!

Kawaii Japanese Snack

I must admit that i am a 哈日一族 . I am especially very fancinated by the packaging of their gifts. I always admired them for being very creative and innovative in that sense. I am very blessed to received some japanese snacks from two of my friends whom was in Japan. So endearing that i cant bear to eat them. Hopefully, i can get to go Japan again.

Happy birthday to my wonderful Twinkle

This blog is especially dedicated to my beloved twinkle. She is 6th years old today. I know jolly well that she cant read this blog, but i am sure that if her ex-owners, Jude & Louise are reading this blog entry. They will be very proud of her , as much as we are. And thank GOD for Sister Louise who graciously give her beloved Twinkle to us three years ago

A dog is indeed man best friend. But our twinkle meant more than just our best friend. She is part of us. Alto, she is quite "notorious known" in our neighbourhood for being a fierce dog. But her alertness and incessant barking recently help to drive away some thieves at my neighbourhood. Therefore, we cant help but to feel proud of our twinkle. KW and myself recently bump into our neighbour at the lift and he warned us to keep our door at lock cos' he was reviewing his videocam and saw two thieves trying to break into our house a few weeks ago. He told us that it was our twinkle barking whom drive them away. For those bad thieves out there, if you want to try to break in to our house again, u better think twice for her bark is worse than her bite. (In that literal sense)

Anyway, coming back to her birthday. Even though Twinkle is just a dog. And some of my friends just cant comprehend why she would need such a lavish birthday celebration. Well, to us, she meant more than just a dog. She is our loyal and faithful friend. She just deserved all the love and attention on her. And thanks to Louise for not forgetting her birthday year after year, Thanks for the treats that you have splurge on her. And most importantly, thanks for giving twinkle to us. We always remember you and Jude kindness especially on Twinkle birthday :)

A gift that warms my heart

Recently, i rec'd some Godiva Chocolates from my best friend - KL. She told me she has read my blog and saw that someone give me Godiva Chocolates during my birthday and so happen that she has some friends in USA and got them to get some for me too. It's such a sweet and heart warming gesture of her. Recently i m undergoing some stress at work and her gesture of thoughtfulness really warms my heart :), Thanks so much, my dearest and best friend, once again.

The start of the new year - 2008 with mum birthday celebration

I find it very amused that we always celebrate my mum birthday based on the chinese lunar calendar. And because of that, i always cant keep track when is her actual birth date on the calendar. Only know that it falls in the month of Jan. Whatever, the case, i thanks GOD for such a wonderful mother and it is always a blessing that we can start the new year with such a warm family gathering to celebrate mum birthday. :)

It's mum 71st birthday this year and i proposed having jap food. Cos ' it's our family favourite food. I picked the place - Kyoto Sabo Aiji Tei. It is the other dinning concert of the very famous Aijisen. It was a right choice cos we are spoilt for choice with the many variety of appetitizer and dessert available. And it is really economical too. We can order many different appetitizer to share, that is the benefit of dinning as a family. Anyway, i really think the kama is value for money. For those who love fish (i only start to appreciate fish since i started my special diet), There is a promotion currently, for every set menu, you get the kama for half prize. And usually, i thought such servings would be short change. But to my surprise, the kama is really big and meaty. Really thumbs up.

And of course, i order a birthday durian cake for her. It's our family favourite fruit. I chanced upon this from the variety show at channel 8. And they recommended this durian place - 717 trading. I am not a durian fan but the cake really looks good and taste heavenly. I heard from my mum that the whole family love the durian cake very much.

Last but not least, i thank mum for her patience and gentleness in raising me up and shower me with love. She is really an awesome mother. Alto, there are times when i give her nonsense, she will always be that same caring and understanding mum to me. Therefore, i want to wish her Good Health, Happiness and Joy in life and May she continue to seek GOD and stay Forever Young :)

With a thanksgiving heart this christmas

What is Christmas to me......

1. A time to remember and give thanks to our Heavenly Father who give his one and only son to die for our sins on the cross. The best christmas gift that HE can give to me

2. A time to give and share love with our dearest friends. I hope my friends who are reading this blog dun find it offensive. I always find this the most challenging part of christmas. No doubt it is the heart that matters, but having to pick the right gift for my friends is like hiting the jackpot. Beyond that spirit of giving, it is always a joy to know that i have picked the right gift for my closest friends.

3. A time to get together in the name of Christ as a family. Just like to take this opportunity to wish my family a peaceful and joyous christmas. And may GOD transform our family and united each one of us in HIS glorious name.

4. A time to reflect the goodness of receiving. I want to thank each and every of my friends for their christmas gift and love. It is such a blessing to rec'd christmas gift. Esp manifested thru' the gift that they have picked for me. See my pictures herewith

5. A time to remember my overseas friends - Lisa, Phyllis, Esther. If you happen to be reading my blog. Sending my love from Singapore :) Not forgotten Tracy, Eric and Kevin who is celebrating Christmas in Penang n Taiwan :)

Finally, A time to relax and enjoy the christmas mood. Afterall, it is a season for LOVE, GIVE and JOLLY. So, merry christmas to all !!!

Doggy Christmas Party

It's raining cats and dogs today, but this does not dampen our spirit as we, the doggy friends are meeting at pawtobellow for our first christmas party. But too bad, another dog friend - Dong Lun is unable to join us. Anyway, we have a good time together and celebrating the spirit of christmas together with our dogs as well.