We collected our wedding album and added this to the wall at the passage way cos there is no space in the MBR to hang it, haha.
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Friday, 24 October 2008
Bamboo Poles aka Tekkos
Recently, bangalah and china workers have been doing upgrading works to the exterior of our blk. These works include repainting the exterior of the flats and building new facilities. So hardworking these workers are, that they dutifully removed all the bamboo poles that residents put outside their kitchen windows. I guess the bamboo poles got in their way when they were doing the painting.
Anyway, our 2 bamboo poles (aka "tekkos") went MIA. They must be the culprits. Who else right? Week after week we made excuses of being busy. Actually, we just didn't want to go get new ones as they are LONG and UGLY. After procastinating for some time, we finally got around to getting new "tekkos". I guess the missing "tekkos" is a blessing in disguise, cos we got 2 much nicer looking ones! This time, we bought metal "tekkos", haha, they look cool! More pricey though. While the usual red/green/blue bamboo "tekkos" cost $1.45 each, the metal ones cost $9 each! Anyway, the length can be extended, so they weren't too LONG to carry, wahahahahhaa! I remember last year when Kitty (aka Meowvin) and I went to buy bamboo "tekkos", we bought 4, and it was so troublesome carrying them home! Can't even take taxi, cos they were so LONG! Worse, we had to chop them shorter so that they would fit nicely on the bamboo holders! Boy, I'm so glad we don't have to do anymore chopping now!
Our remaining 2 bamboo tekkos, now shifted to the outside so they won't be an eyesore, haha.
Our 2 new silver metal tekkos...
so matching against the lavender walls of the service balcony, wahahahhaa!
- Phebe
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
A Giant Watermelon
7 Sept 08 - Recently, the Corner has been a big dust ball. The exterior of our block is being repainted, and that has left a layer of dust and paint flakes all over the corridors and floors. Unsuprisingly, the dust has also invaded the Corner, leaving us with dusty feet and triggering frequent bouts of sneezing for me.
As a result, Her Royal Majesty and I have not been venturing anywhere near the windows as these areas are, naturally, the worse affected. So it was with some surprise when I took a peek out of the living room windows and saw what seems like a giant watermelon on the ground level:
Apparently, it's a new fitness corner. This took the place of a small garden feature which was designed to look like the yin-yang symbol. I guess the town council probably wants us to be less meditative and work out more instead. Well, it's good that the neighbourhood aunties have one more place to hang out at, and maybe, they will switch to doing chin ups instead of line dances. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
As a result, Her Royal Majesty and I have not been venturing anywhere near the windows as these areas are, naturally, the worse affected. So it was with some surprise when I took a peek out of the living room windows and saw what seems like a giant watermelon on the ground level:
Apparently, it's a new fitness corner. This took the place of a small garden feature which was designed to look like the yin-yang symbol. I guess the town council probably wants us to be less meditative and work out more instead. Well, it's good that the neighbourhood aunties have one more place to hang out at, and maybe, they will switch to doing chin ups instead of line dances. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Friday, 1 August 2008
New Rice Cooker
Something weird happened to our rice cooker recently and we decided to bring it down to the service centre. The problem: the inner metal pot cannot fit into the rice cooker after each cleaning! Somehow, we only managed to squeeze it in after 2 to 3 days. Its like it has undergone some kind of expansion-contraction process!
Our rice cooker is less than a year old, a gift from Tai Tai and Xin. Haiz... this is the first time I ever see something like this happening. As we didn't have the warranty card, we were surprised when the Philips guy said,"its ok, we can trace it by the serial number"! What a pleasant surprise, haha!
Our rice cooker is less than a year old, a gift from Tai Tai and Xin. Haiz... this is the first time I ever see something like this happening. As we didn't have the warranty card, we were surprised when the Philips guy said,"its ok, we can trace it by the serial number"! What a pleasant surprise, haha!
And guess what? Philips replaced a brand new rice cooker of the same model for us!
- Phebe
- Phebe
Monday, 14 July 2008
Ginkgo Barley with Foo Chuk
13 Jul 08 - Her Royal Majesty had been acting mysterious lately. Firstly, during our grocery shopping trip on Saturday, she insisted on finding this strange ingredient called "Foo Chuk", which is essentially dried bean curd skin or 腐竹.
I was despatched to interrogate any NTUC staff who qualified as an "auntie" on the whereabouts of this mysterious Foo Chuk, as "aunties" were more likely to know that I was referring to a food item instead of cursing them with some obscure Cantonese phrase.
Unfortunately, the branch had ran out of Foo Chuk. So it seems that this food item was more popular than I thought. Nevertheless, it was not a total loss as Her Royal Majesty managed to purchase barley from the chinese medicinal hall on the same level of the shopping mall.
As dense as I could be, I had now figured out that Her Royal Majesty was gathering ingredients for the popular (and aptly named) dessert, Gingko Barley with Foo Chuk. Luckily, we managed to uncover some Foo Chuk at the wet market nearby. Apparently, there were many types of Foo Chuk, and the stallholder recommended a dry, flakey variety when Her Royal Majesty told her that it was to be used for dessert.
Back home, Her Royal Majesty put all the ingredients together (including pandan leaves for an added fragrance) and let it boil for about an hour. Rock sugar was added to sweeten the mixture, and this was how it looked:
It was soft, smooth, and sweet homely goodness in every mouthful. What's more, the gingko nuts are supposed to be good for the brain too! An excellent treat for a weekend evening!
- Melvin
I was despatched to interrogate any NTUC staff who qualified as an "auntie" on the whereabouts of this mysterious Foo Chuk, as "aunties" were more likely to know that I was referring to a food item instead of cursing them with some obscure Cantonese phrase.
Unfortunately, the branch had ran out of Foo Chuk. So it seems that this food item was more popular than I thought. Nevertheless, it was not a total loss as Her Royal Majesty managed to purchase barley from the chinese medicinal hall on the same level of the shopping mall.
As dense as I could be, I had now figured out that Her Royal Majesty was gathering ingredients for the popular (and aptly named) dessert, Gingko Barley with Foo Chuk. Luckily, we managed to uncover some Foo Chuk at the wet market nearby. Apparently, there were many types of Foo Chuk, and the stallholder recommended a dry, flakey variety when Her Royal Majesty told her that it was to be used for dessert.
Back home, Her Royal Majesty put all the ingredients together (including pandan leaves for an added fragrance) and let it boil for about an hour. Rock sugar was added to sweeten the mixture, and this was how it looked:
It was soft, smooth, and sweet homely goodness in every mouthful. What's more, the gingko nuts are supposed to be good for the brain too! An excellent treat for a weekend evening!
- Melvin
Monday, 30 June 2008
Save Our Laundry
29 Jun 08 - HDB dwellers throughout Singapore recognise an immutable law --- the pole goes into the hole. And the pole STAYS in the hole.
If you had ever attempted to hang your clothes out to dry, you would know exactly what I mean. In the good old days, my family hung our clothes to dry on bamboo poles and slotted these poles into purpose-built cylindrical pole holders just below the window sill.
Now, I still use bamboo poles. Except that the familiar plastic pole holders have now been replaced by 2 rows of metal holders on each side of a pair of facing windows. And this was largely why I had to pay an unscheduled visit to my neighbour today.
Sometime in the late afternoon today, I was working on our wedding website when a sharp scream emanated from the kitchen. I immediately rushed into the kitchen, expecting to see Her Royal Majesty in a bloody mess.
Instead, she was leaning against the window sill, straining to catch a glimpse of something that was directly beneath our window. I followed her gaze and saw our bamboo pole and all the clothes that were hanging on it, now lying in a tangled heap on the window ledge of our 13th floor neighbour.
Apparently, the bamboo pole had slipped off the metal holder that was nearest to our side of the window. So much for modern housing innovations.
I did not have much of a choice except to make my way down to seek our neighbour's help. Meanwhile, Her Royal Majesty took root in the kitchen and refused to accompany me, conveniently excusing herself by claiming that she was "very busy".
As embarrassing as the situation could be, it was made doubly worse by the fact that this was the second time that I was asking the same neighbour to retrieve our clothing from their window ledge. She must think that we must either have incredibly slippery bamboo poles or clothes hangers that shrink when exposed to air.
Fortunately, she didn't display much of a reaction, and stoically headed into her flat to retrieve our clothes. Curiously enough, my neighbour's son seem to take a greater interest in the matter than my neighbour. There he was, a young boy who could not have been more than 10 years old, standing at the gate, determined to find out from this stranger how come his clothes could "drop down like that".
I was secretly relieved when my neighbour soon appeared, bearing my clothes and the bamboo pole. I quickly gathered them together, mumbled a thank-you and scrambled away from the son's impromptu interrogation.
Back at our flat, we had to wash the clothes again. At the same time, my mind was racing to think of how we could prevent our clothes or poles from landing in neighbouring flats again. Short of using large quantities of metal chains and hemp rope, I could not really think of any good ideas. Save Our Laundry, anyone?
- Melvin
If you had ever attempted to hang your clothes out to dry, you would know exactly what I mean. In the good old days, my family hung our clothes to dry on bamboo poles and slotted these poles into purpose-built cylindrical pole holders just below the window sill.
Now, I still use bamboo poles. Except that the familiar plastic pole holders have now been replaced by 2 rows of metal holders on each side of a pair of facing windows. And this was largely why I had to pay an unscheduled visit to my neighbour today.
Sometime in the late afternoon today, I was working on our wedding website when a sharp scream emanated from the kitchen. I immediately rushed into the kitchen, expecting to see Her Royal Majesty in a bloody mess.
Instead, she was leaning against the window sill, straining to catch a glimpse of something that was directly beneath our window. I followed her gaze and saw our bamboo pole and all the clothes that were hanging on it, now lying in a tangled heap on the window ledge of our 13th floor neighbour.
Apparently, the bamboo pole had slipped off the metal holder that was nearest to our side of the window. So much for modern housing innovations.
I did not have much of a choice except to make my way down to seek our neighbour's help. Meanwhile, Her Royal Majesty took root in the kitchen and refused to accompany me, conveniently excusing herself by claiming that she was "very busy".
As embarrassing as the situation could be, it was made doubly worse by the fact that this was the second time that I was asking the same neighbour to retrieve our clothing from their window ledge. She must think that we must either have incredibly slippery bamboo poles or clothes hangers that shrink when exposed to air.
Fortunately, she didn't display much of a reaction, and stoically headed into her flat to retrieve our clothes. Curiously enough, my neighbour's son seem to take a greater interest in the matter than my neighbour. There he was, a young boy who could not have been more than 10 years old, standing at the gate, determined to find out from this stranger how come his clothes could "drop down like that".
I was secretly relieved when my neighbour soon appeared, bearing my clothes and the bamboo pole. I quickly gathered them together, mumbled a thank-you and scrambled away from the son's impromptu interrogation.
Back at our flat, we had to wash the clothes again. At the same time, my mind was racing to think of how we could prevent our clothes or poles from landing in neighbouring flats again. Short of using large quantities of metal chains and hemp rope, I could not really think of any good ideas. Save Our Laundry, anyone?
- Melvin
Friday, 13 June 2008
My Wonderful Alarm Clock
What is the definition of a good alarm clock?
One that serves it purpose? Yes, of course, but you see, there are so many other factors involved.
I define a good alarm clock as one that not only produces a loud ringing tone, but the tone must be irritating as well.
I have been using my mobile's alarm function for a long time, and I always select music that sounds irritating when it gets increasingly louder. Makes me want to get off the bed to press the "turn off" button, and in the process, since already roused from my sleep, might as well just wake up and start preparing for work.
Recently, my alarm clock seems to have lost that ability to irritate me into waking up. When it rings, I hit on the snooze button and continue sleeping.
Kitty got me a new alarm clock.
It's really, really good in serving its purpose.
Every morning at 7am, it will auto slap 2 pieces of ice cold cotton pads onto my eyes. These ice cold cotton pads are enough to make any heavy sleeper stir from his/her sleep. Best of all, they also help to reduce the puffiness of whatever eye bags that I have.
At 7.10am, it will remove the cotton pads from my eyes and I enjoy a few mins of massage. It then switches off the air-con. For someone who hates still air, I start to feel a lil bit irritated and keep tossing from left to right.
At 7.15am, my mobile alarm clock rings. I feel even more irritated but continue sleeping. The new alarm clock turns off the mobile alarm clock and starts chirping...
"Dear qi lai le!!!!!" (dear wake up!!!)
*I remain dead to the world*
"Dear kuai dian qi lai!!! 7.15am liao!!!" (dear faster wake up its 7.15am!!!)
Arrrgh *I ignore and continue sleeping*
*Louder* "Dear qi lai le lah!!!! ni yao chi dao le!!!!" (dear wake up lah you are going to be late!!!)
Me: *feeling super irritated* "Hah nah hah nah" *I cover my ears with the pillow*
*Even louder* "you don't hah nah hah nah faster wake up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
MAnx... I couldn't take it anymore. It has such a horribly irritating voice that just won't stop unless I wake up.
So I finally get off the bed and start preparing for work.
See? Such a wonderful alarm clock.
Guess what's the best feature?
THERE IS NO SNOOZE BUTTON.
It just goes on and on, until you finally get off the bed.
One that serves it purpose? Yes, of course, but you see, there are so many other factors involved.
I define a good alarm clock as one that not only produces a loud ringing tone, but the tone must be irritating as well.
I have been using my mobile's alarm function for a long time, and I always select music that sounds irritating when it gets increasingly louder. Makes me want to get off the bed to press the "turn off" button, and in the process, since already roused from my sleep, might as well just wake up and start preparing for work.
Recently, my alarm clock seems to have lost that ability to irritate me into waking up. When it rings, I hit on the snooze button and continue sleeping.
Kitty got me a new alarm clock.
It's really, really good in serving its purpose.
Every morning at 7am, it will auto slap 2 pieces of ice cold cotton pads onto my eyes. These ice cold cotton pads are enough to make any heavy sleeper stir from his/her sleep. Best of all, they also help to reduce the puffiness of whatever eye bags that I have.
At 7.10am, it will remove the cotton pads from my eyes and I enjoy a few mins of massage. It then switches off the air-con. For someone who hates still air, I start to feel a lil bit irritated and keep tossing from left to right.
At 7.15am, my mobile alarm clock rings. I feel even more irritated but continue sleeping. The new alarm clock turns off the mobile alarm clock and starts chirping...
"Dear qi lai le!!!!!" (dear wake up!!!)
*I remain dead to the world*
"Dear kuai dian qi lai!!! 7.15am liao!!!" (dear faster wake up its 7.15am!!!)
Arrrgh *I ignore and continue sleeping*
*Louder* "Dear qi lai le lah!!!! ni yao chi dao le!!!!" (dear wake up lah you are going to be late!!!)
Me: *feeling super irritated* "Hah nah hah nah" *I cover my ears with the pillow*
*Even louder* "you don't hah nah hah nah faster wake up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
MAnx... I couldn't take it anymore. It has such a horribly irritating voice that just won't stop unless I wake up.
So I finally get off the bed and start preparing for work.
See? Such a wonderful alarm clock.
Guess what's the best feature?
THERE IS NO SNOOZE BUTTON.
It just goes on and on, until you finally get off the bed.
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
The Black Elephant
I have complained about our study countless times. About how it is a BLACK elephant. Spent so much money to furnish it nicely only to have me using my laptop in the living room.
Why?
Cos I am a multi-tasker. I want to watch my Dvds when I use the lappy.
Why?
Cos I am a multi-tasker. I want to watch my Dvds when I use the lappy.
My original idea was to have the study table against where the current glass wall is. Of course, that would mean having a half glass wall instead of the current full glass wall.
Pros:
1) Save money on the glass.
2) I get to watch TV since the study table will be against the intended half glass wall.
3) Won't be able to see the wires (printer, study light...) from the living room with a half glass wall.
4) I won't need to sit on the floor at the coffee table now.
5) The coffee table won't look so messy with 2 lappys (when Hb and I work together).
6) We won't have to go through the hassle of having to remove the laptop from the coffee table and place it on the floor whenever it is dinner time.
7) I won't have to keep going into the study whenever I want to get stationery.
Side track: The dining table is also another black elephant!
Cons:
NONE!
It's such a good idea (to me) and yet Hb refused. Kept saying that it's not good to face the TV while working on the lappy cos "face the TV how to concentrate when studying???"
Me: I have graduated liao. You ain't studying too. What's there to concentrate on???
Him: *change the topic since he got nothing to rebutt me on*
Me: Even if you ever need to CONCENTRATE, we can always install those cool modern looking blinds or string curtains or something mah! You can draw them down if you like, and I can part them when I want to watch TV while using the lappy!
Him: *Gave some lame reason of which I can't recall*
Anyway, the damage has been done.
He got his way.
I should have insisted!!!!!! Thinking back, I wonder why I didn't insist too much. Probably cos the reno at that time was already giving me a big headache?
Now, as I look at the study, I really think its a waste for me! I love the space, yet I can't bear to part with my beloved TV....
Hb is the only one who uses the study. He said its more spacious, so these days he works on his lappy there.
The thing is, it's kinda "comfy", especially when you switch on the aircon.
HE NEVER FAILS TO FALL ASLEEP HALFWAY!!!!
So can someone please tell me, what's there to concentrate on since he ends up dozing off anyway??
Manz... I really think I am not fully utilising the study, especially since I am online practically every night!
I finally thought of a solution!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Super excited now.
Solution: BUY ANOTHER TV ~!! - and a small Dvd player!
I was thinking, if we buy another TV (a small one will do, about 19" is perfect), we can place it somewhere below the bottom left side of where the current big picture frame is. Of course, we'll have to redo the furniture layout of that area. As in, reposition the current small brown table or something, to make that whole stretch look nicer.
Right now, the furniture layout along that wall looks kinda boring. That's cos we decided not to put those comfy rugs, bean bags and magazine racks after all. The thought of the cleaning makes me sick, and those items can get quite dusty after a while. Plus, we hardly spend time in the study... so might as well leave it simple... easy to clean too! :D
Anyway, I have always felt that something is missing along that stretch of wall, particularly the area on the left where the window is. Now, with the new TV idea, I "agar agar" know how to re-layout that area already!!!!!
Of course, as expected, Hb raised his objections, saying the TV in the bedroom is already super under- utilised, what for buy another one?
Me: YOU under-utilise it. I still got use it when I do my weekly hair treatment in the bedroom.
*Yes, lame, but it's still a point...*
Finally managed to convince Hb to buy me a small TV, but gotta wait till after our customary wedding and honeymoon (these 2 can cause possible huge damage financially, so can't anyhow splurge on big items these few months) are over.
My proposal to him when I started my "psycho-ing":
1) I will be able to fully utilise the study. The study will no longer be a black elephant.
2) The living room area will look much neater.
3) No need to remove the laptop from the coffee table whenever we have dinner.
4) Right now, the TV in the living room is over utilised. Should "spread the usage" to prolong its life. (ok I know that's kinda lame, but its still a reason!)
5) In the future (at least 3 years down the road), when we have BABY, we won't have to fight for the TV anymore. Just nice, one TV and Dvd player for each of us. I don't mind using the small one in the study since I am always on the lappy anyway. Hb can use the one in the bedroom. BABY can use the one in the living room. Plus, with all the glass walls, both Hb and I will be able to keep an eye on BABY from where we are! :D
5) In the future (at least 3 years down the road), when we have BABY, we won't have to fight for the TV anymore. Just nice, one TV and Dvd player for each of us. I don't mind using the small one in the study since I am always on the lappy anyway. Hb can use the one in the bedroom. BABY can use the one in the living room. Plus, with all the glass walls, both Hb and I will be able to keep an eye on BABY from where we are! :D
MAnz I'm so happy~!!!!
- Phebe
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
Cleaning House
5 Feb 08 - Yes, we all know what festival's coming up in 2 days. That's right, it's the time of year when kids get to torture their parents by running around in hordes, screaming and knocking over priceless porcelain vases. It's also the time of year when singles smile nervously at relatives and wait helplessly to be grilled about their marital status.
Yes, it's Chinese New Year again.
This is the first Chinese New Year that Her Royal Majesty and I are celebrating together since we were married. The most obvious difference is that we no longer experience much of the hustle and bustle that comes along with CNY preparations. After all, we don't really have to cook up a storm for family and relatives, or start worrying about visits from relatives.
Yes, it's Chinese New Year again.
This is the first Chinese New Year that Her Royal Majesty and I are celebrating together since we were married. The most obvious difference is that we no longer experience much of the hustle and bustle that comes along with CNY preparations. After all, we don't really have to cook up a storm for family and relatives, or start worrying about visits from relatives.
Nevertheless, we have taken to sprucing up the place. And given Her Royal Majesty's penchant for organising stuff, she has taken the liberty to draw up a list of household chores and allocated them between the both of us. Note that my role mainly involves nodding my head in silence, and going about whatever tasks assigned without delay.
So far, we have completed most of the tasks that we have set out to do, including polishing the glass walls/doors/windows, cleaning the walk-in-wardrobe, wiping surfaces/furniture that we hardly use, polishing the kitchen counter, and others. For a 2-person dwelling, the amount of dust, stray hairs, dirt, mould and grime is incredible. But to make our lives easier, we have gathered an amazing array of cleaning solutions and equipment, one for almost every type and colour.
We look set to complete our Project Housecleaning on schedule, just right before the New Year. And here's taking the chance to wish everyone a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year!
- Melvin
- Melvin
Monday, 4 February 2008
From Bootiful to Beautiful
Its been more than 3 weeks since my last post on "Bloom to Destruction".
I am totally sick of flowers. Fake ones I mean.
Mdm Yik has no time to help me... and I had been too lazy to get others to help, lol.
Finally, Hb and I decided to get new flowers to replace the red ones.
Went to IMM 2 Sundays (27 Jan) ago and showed the pic of our vase to the florist, who expertly helped us to pick out a nice combination of white and green flowers.
I am totally sick of flowers. Fake ones I mean.
Mdm Yik has no time to help me... and I had been too lazy to get others to help, lol.
Finally, Hb and I decided to get new flowers to replace the red ones.
Went to IMM 2 Sundays (27 Jan) ago and showed the pic of our vase to the florist, who expertly helped us to pick out a nice combination of white and green flowers.
I never knew that fake flowers can cost so much, lol.
Upon learning that yours truly has absolutely no talent in floral arrangement, the florist helped us to arrange the flowers nicely, even bending the branches at certain angles, so that all we need to do was to dump the whole thing into the vase when we get home.
Sounds easy yeah?
I wish!
On Monday, I finally mustered up enough courage to try my hands on floral arrangement again.
I removed the red flowers and....
I'm so glad Hb didn't kill me for messing up the floor he mopped the day before~
I happily dumped the new flowers into the vase, expecting them to look as lovely as we had imagined them to be.
It wasn't meant to be.
I can never become a florist.
I got pissed after 15 mins of unsuccessful attempts at trying to make the whole thing look nicer.
I gave up, leaving the new flowers in the vase and the red ones lying all over the floor.
I left the mess untouched until 2 days ago, when I need to clear them up so that Hb can mop the floor.
No choice too, since CNY is just around the corner.
I decided that I shouldn't "geh kiang" (insist on doing you know you will probably never succeed)anymore.
I went to Hb, flashed what he calls my trademark "up-to-no-good" grin and said,
"Lo gong! You help me clear the flowers ya?? Thanks!!!!!!!!!!"
And I happily disappeared into the kitchen, pretending to be busy, lalalala~
Manz... I should have known earlier...
That people who are generally slow in doing things usually have the patience to work on tasks that require lots of trial-and-error attempts.
After half hour, I went into the living room and to my surprise, our new flowers look really lovely (to me) in the tall white vase!!!!
Wah~!!!!!
I think that was probably one of the few times I kept singing Hb's praises for a good 10 mins non-stop, wahahahahhahaa~!
Now, take a look at these:
Before
$19 worth of broomstick-like flowers and figs down the drain...
After
Our $170 creation is finally ready for CNY!
The red flowers are now lying inside our store room, wahahahahhahaa!
I really like this combi.
It looks simple yet elegant!
So happy~!!!!!!!!!
- Phebe
Friday, 11 January 2008
Bloom to Destruction
Have I ever mentioned how much I loathe floral arrangement?
Oh yes, I really do.
We bought our tall white vase a few days ago and finally found some nice "figs" or "sticks" at Spotlight. They are really pretty, though no thanks to me they look horrible now after my itchy hands removed the metal wire that bound them together.
We thought just the red "figs" alone with some flower buds look kinda "empty", so yesterday, Hb went to Harvey and bought 3 of the long white curvy sticks. You should be able to see the display pic in one of my previous entries.
Anyway, I spent a good 45 mins trying to arrange everything nicely inside the vase, but sad to say, I was a complete failure. I realised that there are just some things in life that "you know means you know, you don't know means you don't know".
And Hb, who was at the lappy creating our website, had the gall to comment,"Dear, very ugly leh".
I really feel like tearing and breaking all the figs/sticks!!!
The whole thing reminds me of one of the Gatsby adverts, whereby the hair looked like it exploded or something. Yeah. It really looks "exploded" now.
I give up.
I'm gonna call Mdm Yik to come over to help me arrange that whole thing nicely.
I shall take a before and after pic and post it here.
If she refuses to help me, I can always call Huilin to come over.
Anyone will do. Anyone who has more creativity in floral arrangement than me.
Oh yes, I really do.
We bought our tall white vase a few days ago and finally found some nice "figs" or "sticks" at Spotlight. They are really pretty, though no thanks to me they look horrible now after my itchy hands removed the metal wire that bound them together.
We thought just the red "figs" alone with some flower buds look kinda "empty", so yesterday, Hb went to Harvey and bought 3 of the long white curvy sticks. You should be able to see the display pic in one of my previous entries.
Anyway, I spent a good 45 mins trying to arrange everything nicely inside the vase, but sad to say, I was a complete failure. I realised that there are just some things in life that "you know means you know, you don't know means you don't know".
And Hb, who was at the lappy creating our website, had the gall to comment,"Dear, very ugly leh".
I really feel like tearing and breaking all the figs/sticks!!!
The whole thing reminds me of one of the Gatsby adverts, whereby the hair looked like it exploded or something. Yeah. It really looks "exploded" now.
I give up.
I'm gonna call Mdm Yik to come over to help me arrange that whole thing nicely.
I shall take a before and after pic and post it here.
If she refuses to help me, I can always call Huilin to come over.
Anyone will do. Anyone who has more creativity in floral arrangement than me.
- Phebe
Monday, 7 January 2008
New Additions
Hb couldn't stand it anymore. The more he looked at his face on the artist canvas, the more he complained that he looked like he has jaundice, wahahahahahha! Moreover, the sides of the white canvas weren't 100% clean as the production guys didn't wear gloves when they wrapped the canvas around the frame. They usually don't wear gloves anyway, and the work place ain't exactly dust free.
He finally decided to call the vendor who agreed to re-do another piece for us. After sending us many versions of the same piece with different types of borders, we decided that our original design is still the best. It looks brighter and cleaner~! So, on Saturday, Studio Gallery delivered the new canvas and boy, it really looks much better now! Hb don't look like he has jaundice anymore! I think the company is very good in service recovery. They had printed out a new canvas, but as it also got slightly dirty when they were doing the wrapping, they re-printed the artwork again and this time, not only did all the production guys wear gloves, they also placed the canvas on a clean sheet before doing the wrapping on the frame! Our canvas looks perfect now - bright and clean (reminds me of Listerine mouthwash, lol)~ so happy~!
BEFORE
AFTER
After we dismantled our Christmas tree, we thought that we ought to fill up that spot with some decorative items, and we decided to get a big vase. After combing several places just to find a white or beige colour vase that is at least 60cm tall, we finally found it at Harvey Norman!! LOL, of all places to shop for vases, wahahahhahaa! Hb said it looks kinda "cheena", but I didn't think so. Happy me quickly whipped out my hp and took some pics of the vase, then sent them to a few of my pals to seek their opinion. Luck was on my side, cos all said that the vase was very nice, though another friend replied that she personally prefered transparent vases, lol. Here are a few pics:
THE VASE
Display at Harvey Norman
Anyway, after much hesitation, Hb decided to give in and we bought the vase!!! YAy!!!!! Best of all, there was a 30% discount for floor products, so instead of $169, we only paid $118!! Haha, so happy, now we are only left with the task of shopping for those long curvy-like "sticks" or figs to put inside the vase!
Our living room don't look so empty afterall:
For the first time, I placed the flowers that Hb sent me the other day into a small vase, and manz, they bloomed really beautifully!!! If only I had known earlier, I would have done the same to the previous 12 bouquets that he had given me instead of throwing them away after a few days!
He finally decided to call the vendor who agreed to re-do another piece for us. After sending us many versions of the same piece with different types of borders, we decided that our original design is still the best. It looks brighter and cleaner~! So, on Saturday, Studio Gallery delivered the new canvas and boy, it really looks much better now! Hb don't look like he has jaundice anymore! I think the company is very good in service recovery. They had printed out a new canvas, but as it also got slightly dirty when they were doing the wrapping, they re-printed the artwork again and this time, not only did all the production guys wear gloves, they also placed the canvas on a clean sheet before doing the wrapping on the frame! Our canvas looks perfect now - bright and clean (reminds me of Listerine mouthwash, lol)~ so happy~!
BEFORE
AFTER
After we dismantled our Christmas tree, we thought that we ought to fill up that spot with some decorative items, and we decided to get a big vase. After combing several places just to find a white or beige colour vase that is at least 60cm tall, we finally found it at Harvey Norman!! LOL, of all places to shop for vases, wahahahhahaa! Hb said it looks kinda "cheena", but I didn't think so. Happy me quickly whipped out my hp and took some pics of the vase, then sent them to a few of my pals to seek their opinion. Luck was on my side, cos all said that the vase was very nice, though another friend replied that she personally prefered transparent vases, lol. Here are a few pics:
THE VASE
Display at Harvey Norman
Anyway, after much hesitation, Hb decided to give in and we bought the vase!!! YAy!!!!! Best of all, there was a 30% discount for floor products, so instead of $169, we only paid $118!! Haha, so happy, now we are only left with the task of shopping for those long curvy-like "sticks" or figs to put inside the vase!
Our living room don't look so empty afterall:
For the first time, I placed the flowers that Hb sent me the other day into a small vase, and manz, they bloomed really beautifully!!! If only I had known earlier, I would have done the same to the previous 12 bouquets that he had given me instead of throwing them away after a few days!
- Phebe
Tuesday, 1 January 2008
Backwards and Forwards
1 Jan 2008 - Today is the first day of 2008. This is a sensitive moment, we are on the cusp of breaking open the seals on another brand new year, and yet, the previous year hasn't really left us. It's a moment for looking both backward and forward.
2007 has been a year filled with change. The most important change would be getting married and setting up home with Her Royal Majesty. Everything was a heady rush. From the wedding preparations, to the renovation works, at times, things almost seemed destined to break into pieces. But somehow, we pulled through everytime. And for that we thank God for His guidance, and our friends and family members who generously rallied around us and supported us with their time and advice.
Today, we have lived in our new home for slightly more than 3 months. Although it hasn't been a very long period of time, each day spent together is like a gift from above. I'm not saying that we are the perfect happy-smiley-lovey-dovey couple all the time, but I think we are both very much aware how hard we worked to make this happen. As a child, whenever I had a new toy that I really liked, I would have a sickening feeling that somehow something bad would happen to take this toy away from me. Of course, that didn't always happen, but to this day, I still feel the same way at times. Perhaps, this may explain why I am always anxious to ensure that Her Royal Majesty and I always work out any kinks in our relationship instead of turning a blind eye and letting them fester.
In 2007, I made a significant change in my career when I joined my present company. Although the job scope was similar, the scale of operations was much larger, and there is definitely more room for growth. Things seem quite positive so far, and I'm looking forward to new challenges in 2008.
Like most people, Her Royal Majesty has made a list of resolutions to be fulfilled in 2008. As for me, I have never been in the habit of putting into writing my wishes for the year. But for you, dear reader, I will make an exception. So here goes:
1) To learn more of God's Word and put it into practice.
2) To be a more sensitive and understanding husband to Her Royal Majesty.
3) To grow further professionally, in terms of capabilities and people skills.
4) To finally wean off my nasty habit of procrastination.
So that's the whole laundry list of stuff that I will be focusing on for 2008. Of course, like most Singaporeans, I will also be frantically trying my best to get my income to keep up with what the government says are record-breaking inflation rates. Wish me luck!
2007 has been a year filled with change. The most important change would be getting married and setting up home with Her Royal Majesty. Everything was a heady rush. From the wedding preparations, to the renovation works, at times, things almost seemed destined to break into pieces. But somehow, we pulled through everytime. And for that we thank God for His guidance, and our friends and family members who generously rallied around us and supported us with their time and advice.
Today, we have lived in our new home for slightly more than 3 months. Although it hasn't been a very long period of time, each day spent together is like a gift from above. I'm not saying that we are the perfect happy-smiley-lovey-dovey couple all the time, but I think we are both very much aware how hard we worked to make this happen. As a child, whenever I had a new toy that I really liked, I would have a sickening feeling that somehow something bad would happen to take this toy away from me. Of course, that didn't always happen, but to this day, I still feel the same way at times. Perhaps, this may explain why I am always anxious to ensure that Her Royal Majesty and I always work out any kinks in our relationship instead of turning a blind eye and letting them fester.
In 2007, I made a significant change in my career when I joined my present company. Although the job scope was similar, the scale of operations was much larger, and there is definitely more room for growth. Things seem quite positive so far, and I'm looking forward to new challenges in 2008.
Like most people, Her Royal Majesty has made a list of resolutions to be fulfilled in 2008. As for me, I have never been in the habit of putting into writing my wishes for the year. But for you, dear reader, I will make an exception. So here goes:
1) To learn more of God's Word and put it into practice.
2) To be a more sensitive and understanding husband to Her Royal Majesty.
3) To grow further professionally, in terms of capabilities and people skills.
4) To finally wean off my nasty habit of procrastination.
So that's the whole laundry list of stuff that I will be focusing on for 2008. Of course, like most Singaporeans, I will also be frantically trying my best to get my income to keep up with what the government says are record-breaking inflation rates. Wish me luck!
- Melvin
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