6.30pm, driving to meet some friends for dinner. The past week has been so hectic and work always piles up on the week you plan to take PTO.
Suddenly my phone rings. B's house it reads.
Me: Hello?!
B2: Hi Yee Yee, are you at your diving place?
Me: No, I am going diving only on Thursday.
B2: Is dark there now?
Me: Mei, I am going to Paragon, I am still in Singapore.
B2: Oh!
But so funny and sweet she is to remember that I am going away and call. Angels!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
red (velvet) revolution
Since I read about red velvet cake on Bakerella, I've been so smitten by them. Even Ellen Degeneres had Sweet Lady Jane to bake her a vegan red velvet cake ( I wonder how you do that, with butter and eggs as main ingredients in any cake)
Side note: just posted a pix of my red velvet cake on my msn, and my cousin immediately recognised it. No wonder we are cousins. But in this case, she wins, hands down. I've only come across red velvet just about a year ago, and she knew it all this while!!
With a cake with a colour so rich, I couldn't quite imagine what the taste would be, but I did think that a cream cheese frosting would go so perfectly well with it. And that was just one of the many options with this amazing cake. So yesterday at Kinokuniya, I came across Rachel Allen's Bake and was just browsing through the recipes, saw the red velvet cake and knew I had to get the book. I've watched her cook programmes in the UK, and always liked them. Her cooking style is a bit homey sort of cooking and yet her recipes are like a level one up from home recipes... hmmm if you know what I mean.
So when the cake came out piping hot from the open, I broke a small piece off and had a taste. The first taste was not unlike that of a butter cake. But there was something rather flavourful about it. Maybe the buttermilk? I couldn't quite pinpoint. But it was so fun making this cake, just because of the colours.
The origins of a desire to bake on a Sunday afternoon - Rachel Allen's Bake
Look at the lovely pastelly colour! I HAD to start taking pictures.
My very first PINK cake! I know of at least one person who would like this already.
Looks yummy already doesn't it?
It was really yummy. The icing could have been less sweet. And less crystallised sugar in it. (Cos I ran out of normal caster sugar)
All who wants to try this cake ping me! I'm planning to do a desserts get together. :) That'll be fun!
Side note: just posted a pix of my red velvet cake on my msn, and my cousin immediately recognised it. No wonder we are cousins. But in this case, she wins, hands down. I've only come across red velvet just about a year ago, and she knew it all this while!!
With a cake with a colour so rich, I couldn't quite imagine what the taste would be, but I did think that a cream cheese frosting would go so perfectly well with it. And that was just one of the many options with this amazing cake. So yesterday at Kinokuniya, I came across Rachel Allen's Bake and was just browsing through the recipes, saw the red velvet cake and knew I had to get the book. I've watched her cook programmes in the UK, and always liked them. Her cooking style is a bit homey sort of cooking and yet her recipes are like a level one up from home recipes... hmmm if you know what I mean.
So when the cake came out piping hot from the open, I broke a small piece off and had a taste. The first taste was not unlike that of a butter cake. But there was something rather flavourful about it. Maybe the buttermilk? I couldn't quite pinpoint. But it was so fun making this cake, just because of the colours.
The origins of a desire to bake on a Sunday afternoon - Rachel Allen's Bake
Look at the lovely pastelly colour! I HAD to start taking pictures.
My very first PINK cake! I know of at least one person who would like this already.
Looks yummy already doesn't it?
It was really yummy. The icing could have been less sweet. And less crystallised sugar in it. (Cos I ran out of normal caster sugar)
All who wants to try this cake ping me! I'm planning to do a desserts get together. :) That'll be fun!
Friday, May 15, 2009
oh wow, whadidyaknow?
Men have evolved very little, haven't they?
From the Economist
"A find reported in this week’s Nature suggests that sculpture, too, brought the smut-makers in early. Nicholas Conrad of the University of Tübingen, in Germany, describes what is probably the oldest human statue yet discovered. It is 6cm tall. It is carved from a mammoth tusk. It dates from about 35,000 years ago. It was found in a cave in south-western Germany. And it is, not to put too fine a point upon the matter, obscene."
For full article, click here
From the Economist
"A find reported in this week’s Nature suggests that sculpture, too, brought the smut-makers in early. Nicholas Conrad of the University of Tübingen, in Germany, describes what is probably the oldest human statue yet discovered. It is 6cm tall. It is carved from a mammoth tusk. It dates from about 35,000 years ago. It was found in a cave in south-western Germany. And it is, not to put too fine a point upon the matter, obscene."
For full article, click here
放屁
The aunt enters the room to give the little girl a goodnite kiss. Like she always does when she visits the kids.
B2: I gotta put these two toys next to me and kiss them good nite
Aunt: What about a good nite kiss for your yee yee?
(Big smack of a kiss on the yee yee's face)
Aunt: What are the names of your toys?
B2: One is 七仔, the other one is 放屁。
Aunt: 放屁? That's to fart, you know?
B2: Yah, sometimes he farts.
You just cannot argue with logic from a 4 year old.
B2: I gotta put these two toys next to me and kiss them good nite
Aunt: What about a good nite kiss for your yee yee?
(Big smack of a kiss on the yee yee's face)
Aunt: What are the names of your toys?
B2: One is 七仔, the other one is 放屁。
Aunt: 放屁? That's to fart, you know?
B2: Yah, sometimes he farts.
You just cannot argue with logic from a 4 year old.
Monday, May 04, 2009
next stop...
Been dying to make these lovely, albeit overrated, pastries. Shall bake them and organise a "Amelie" viewing. Very ze French, non?
Till then shall borrow macaron pix from other sites. muy bien!
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Tiananmen Square 六四事件
Has it been so long?
In June it would have been 20 years since the Tiananmen incident happened. Apparently 2000 - 3000 protesters died. Politically, China hasn't changed much since, but look at the economic powerhouse it is now. Everyone wants to go to China.
I used to think that history was boring - of things and dead people that happened eons ago. And increasingly I've come to appreciate it a bit, especially when we live through so many great incidences in our lifetime.
In June it would have been 20 years since the Tiananmen incident happened. Apparently 2000 - 3000 protesters died. Politically, China hasn't changed much since, but look at the economic powerhouse it is now. Everyone wants to go to China.
I used to think that history was boring - of things and dead people that happened eons ago. And increasingly I've come to appreciate it a bit, especially when we live through so many great incidences in our lifetime.
- The tsunami that killed over a quarter of a million people and left even more homeless.
- 9/11 - who would have thought anyone would be insane enough to fly 2 planes into a building?
- Economic meltdown of the 2008 - Our great depression of the 21st century
- SARS/Bird and now swine flu - and while it will not reach epic proportions of the spanish flu in 1918, it's still scary, and leaves the world all very scared of it.
- The downfall of communism in most parts of the world and fall of the Berlin wall and the cold war.
- Climate change, and how our world's temperature seems to be increasing by the second.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
does having a good time involve loud music and alcohol?
okay, what's having a good time to you?
For me it's good company. Good food, which may or may not involve alcohol, and quiet ambiance.
I don't understand why people who have met me for 2 seconds can make a passing judgment that I don't like to "come out" get pissed drunk and have a good time - their definition of having a good time.
I'm sorry. But having a good time for me doesn't involve me having to scream at the top of my voice so that my friends can hear me.
Or having to squeeze with sweaty bodies. I think I've done my drink dancing pubbing when I was in my 20s. Now I just want to talk to people.
And as for having alcohol. I hate going out if I don't drive. And when I drive I don't want to drink. And alcohol makes me high for like 2 seconds. Then after that I just wanna sleep. Or throw up in your face.
You choose, which might be a more FUN option for u.
For me it's good company. Good food, which may or may not involve alcohol, and quiet ambiance.
I don't understand why people who have met me for 2 seconds can make a passing judgment that I don't like to "come out" get pissed drunk and have a good time - their definition of having a good time.
I'm sorry. But having a good time for me doesn't involve me having to scream at the top of my voice so that my friends can hear me.
Or having to squeeze with sweaty bodies. I think I've done my drink dancing pubbing when I was in my 20s. Now I just want to talk to people.
And as for having alcohol. I hate going out if I don't drive. And when I drive I don't want to drink. And alcohol makes me high for like 2 seconds. Then after that I just wanna sleep. Or throw up in your face.
You choose, which might be a more FUN option for u.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
the world's best spread...nutella
:) I am so enamoured by Nutella that the moment I saw a bake class with "Decadent Nutella Cupcake" as one of the demo items, I was Onz!
First, get a load of the wonderous nutella goob.
Next, mix it and stir it and mark it with B. Looks so good you can eat it straight.
Nice and fresh nutella cakes :) yummy.
But that's not all.
NUTELLA FROSTING!!!
Turned out the cake was a bit too dry, so I'll need to vary it a little. But anyways, it's a good start!
First, get a load of the wonderous nutella goob.
Next, mix it and stir it and mark it with B. Looks so good you can eat it straight.
Nice and fresh nutella cakes :) yummy.
NUTELLA FROSTING!!!
Friday, April 10, 2009
open sesame
My sis and her husband recently bought a house. And my mom and dad and I went over to visit it today. It's such a gorgeous property. I'm sure she'll have so much fun decorating it!
Anyway the house has one of those remote-controlled gate. And someone had told B2 that the gate opens when you say, "Open sesame."
So I had to get something from my car and I was asking B2,"How do you open the gate?"
B2 turned to the gate and went,"OPEN SESAME!"
Hilarious!!
And for the whole time we were there, she believed that it was by magic! Before we left, she did her last "open sesame" for the day.
Of course the gate didn't open, but B1 went,"I know how to make the magic happen!!!"
He ran into the house and pressed the button to open the gate.
They are just so sweet and fantastic the two of them and I adore them to death!
Anyway the house has one of those remote-controlled gate. And someone had told B2 that the gate opens when you say, "Open sesame."
So I had to get something from my car and I was asking B2,"How do you open the gate?"
B2 turned to the gate and went,"OPEN SESAME!"
Hilarious!!
And for the whole time we were there, she believed that it was by magic! Before we left, she did her last "open sesame" for the day.
Of course the gate didn't open, but B1 went,"I know how to make the magic happen!!!"
He ran into the house and pressed the button to open the gate.
They are just so sweet and fantastic the two of them and I adore them to death!
Thursday, April 09, 2009
world rat day... wtf?
Apparently there is such a thing. April 4 is world rat day, to encourage a more positive image of rats. WTF? What is wrong with this world?Anyway I didn't have the guts to click on the link for fear of coming face-to-face with a rat picture. That would have totally ruined my day.
Reason for this rat search? Recent food poisoning in Geylang Serai - 2 people died, 1 lady miscarried, and over 100 were sick from eating Indian rojak. Up till now I still don't know what is the actual cause. They blamed seafood, then rats (hence the rats search). And in the end inconclusive.
Pest controllers were called in to ... catch rats lor. By noon they had caught 61. But come on, I see rats everywhere in my neighbourhood, and some years back my area was named to most rat infested place in SINGAPORE! So heng, tio bay bio oso never see I win so big. Back to my point, I bet they'll not do something in my neighbourhood or any neighbourhood for that matter till someone dies of a rat-related disease. AKA the Geylang Serai food poisoning.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
outer space
Recently a new colleague just joined us. And I realised that she is one of those who invade your personal space. Unfortunately, I really hate it when people cut into my personal space.
Example 1
When asking me stuff regarding work, she would walk all the way to by my seat. When over the "fence" of my cube would have been really okay. Really.
Example 2
When walking in a group, it's as if we were attached at the hip with magnets. She walks so close to me!
Example 3
When talking in general chat, she stands so close to me that *not to sound so bitchy, but...* you can smell that she didn't shower in the morning!
Really people. Social awareness. Just don't stand so near others, give them a space of about 1 to 1 1/2 arm's length when you talk to others, especially when you don't smell good!
So any tips of how to "hint" to people who are standing so close?
Example 1
When asking me stuff regarding work, she would walk all the way to by my seat. When over the "fence" of my cube would have been really okay. Really.
Example 2
When walking in a group, it's as if we were attached at the hip with magnets. She walks so close to me!
Example 3
When talking in general chat, she stands so close to me that *not to sound so bitchy, but...* you can smell that she didn't shower in the morning!
Really people. Social awareness. Just don't stand so near others, give them a space of about 1 to 1 1/2 arm's length when you talk to others, especially when you don't smell good!
So any tips of how to "hint" to people who are standing so close?
Saturday, March 28, 2009
holy crap
It's 28th March, the Vote Earth day. And surprisingly my mom and dad are pro-vote earth day. :) hahah Maybe cos I kept going on about what you do now will affect your grandchildren.
And of cos to escape the 1 hour without A/C and fan, my whole family is heading to IKEA... hahah not sure if that REALLY helps.
But I am watching this programme called the Human Footprint. It maps out the consumption of an average human from birth to 70+ years old. Apparently we would have taken 7000+ baths in this lifetime, consumed 4 whole cows, 21 sheep, 12000 chickens, and just as many eggs.
Oh the best part...we would have shitted 3 tonnes of crap. hahahha :) Here's my carbon footprint so far.
Watch the video here.
If you prefer to watch it on your own browser, click here
All that multiplied by 6 billion people. The world is just awesome.
Go figure.
And of cos to escape the 1 hour without A/C and fan, my whole family is heading to IKEA... hahah not sure if that REALLY helps.
But I am watching this programme called the Human Footprint. It maps out the consumption of an average human from birth to 70+ years old. Apparently we would have taken 7000+ baths in this lifetime, consumed 4 whole cows, 21 sheep, 12000 chickens, and just as many eggs.
Oh the best part...we would have shitted 3 tonnes of crap. hahahha :) Here's my carbon footprint so far.
Watch the video here.
If you prefer to watch it on your own browser, click here
All that multiplied by 6 billion people. The world is just awesome.
Go figure.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
greed explained
Found this video clip of the credit crisis explained. Simple and easy.
The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.
The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
the world is just awesome
It really is!
Well, er except for real dirty things at 0:28''. How, or why?! oh nevermind.. just enjoy the world for its awesomeness! :)
Well, er except for real dirty things at 0:28''. How, or why?! oh nevermind.. just enjoy the world for its awesomeness! :)
Friday, March 06, 2009
a girl, a guy and a roach
Two strangers stand waiting at lift lobby D.
"Ping!" goes the lift as it reached ground level.
Girl steps into the lift, noticing a brown roach running up the back wall of an extremely white lift wall. The guy follows her into the lift and he too notices the roach.
Girl presses the number 13 for her level.
Guy looks at the girl and unbelievably asks,''You not scared har?"
Girl nonchalantly replies,"er, no?" and then continues,"which floor?"
"oh, 7." he replies.
Silent pause for 2 seconds.
Then girl thought that maybe the guy might be scared, and was ready to take off her ballet flat to whack the roach.
"Are you scared?"asks the girl.
"No, no.", replies the man. Then man decides to strip a piece of tape from the lift walls to rid the world of yet another roach.
"Ping! Seventh storey", the voice from the lift recording came on.
"Oh I better not do that, in case the roach flies onto you.", says the man.
Man exits.
Girl thinks,"whateverrrr." Then wonders why she is still single at 35. Maybe she should have shrieked and acted like the roach was actually frightening. That might have gotten her a man yrs ago.
Btw, what's the difference between a normal roach and a flying one? Don't all roaches fly?
"Ping!" goes the lift as it reached ground level.
Girl steps into the lift, noticing a brown roach running up the back wall of an extremely white lift wall. The guy follows her into the lift and he too notices the roach.
Girl presses the number 13 for her level.
Guy looks at the girl and unbelievably asks,''You not scared har?"
Girl nonchalantly replies,"er, no?" and then continues,"which floor?"
"oh, 7." he replies.
Silent pause for 2 seconds.
Then girl thought that maybe the guy might be scared, and was ready to take off her ballet flat to whack the roach.
"Are you scared?"asks the girl.
"No, no.", replies the man. Then man decides to strip a piece of tape from the lift walls to rid the world of yet another roach.
"Ping! Seventh storey", the voice from the lift recording came on.
"Oh I better not do that, in case the roach flies onto you.", says the man.
Man exits.
Girl thinks,"whateverrrr." Then wonders why she is still single at 35. Maybe she should have shrieked and acted like the roach was actually frightening. That might have gotten her a man yrs ago.
Btw, what's the difference between a normal roach and a flying one? Don't all roaches fly?
Friday, February 13, 2009
A gal can always dream.
Jason Mraz ft. Colbie Caillat - Lucky official video
( Jason )
Do you hear me,
I'm talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying
( Colbie )
Boy I hear you in my dreams
I feel your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard
( same, chorus )
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
They don't know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss
I'll wait for you I promise you, I will
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Lucky we're in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday
( Jason )
And so I'm sailing through the sea
To an island where we'll meet
You'll hear the music fill the air
I'll put a flower in your hair
( Colbie )
though the breezes through trees
Move so pretty you're all I see
As the world keeps spinning round
You hold me right here right now
( Chorus )
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
I'm lucky we're in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday
Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
Ooooh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
Thursday, February 12, 2009
if only we were aware of our mortality
the world would be such a different place.
Fundamental differences between religions, races and beliefs may all be resolved. Why fight or let your hate fester when you won't be around for much longer?
Will you still be afraid to make the tough decisions that will set you free from agony?
Will you pursue love like that was no tomorrow?
Will you help another human being enjoy his ephemeral existence on earth?
Will you help protect this awesome world for the next generation?
With age, I start thinking differently these days. I must admit I am selfish in a lot of ways, but these past 1-2 years, I've been thinking about giving back. And just thinking that I have a very small window of youth left to do all the things I want to do. I just don't want to leave things to chance anymore, where I can grab the opportunity to make things happen, I will. Life is really too short.
Fundamental differences between religions, races and beliefs may all be resolved. Why fight or let your hate fester when you won't be around for much longer?
Will you still be afraid to make the tough decisions that will set you free from agony?
Will you pursue love like that was no tomorrow?
Will you help another human being enjoy his ephemeral existence on earth?
Will you help protect this awesome world for the next generation?
With age, I start thinking differently these days. I must admit I am selfish in a lot of ways, but these past 1-2 years, I've been thinking about giving back. And just thinking that I have a very small window of youth left to do all the things I want to do. I just don't want to leave things to chance anymore, where I can grab the opportunity to make things happen, I will. Life is really too short.
Monday, February 02, 2009
thankful and blessed
Had a fantastic week in Bangkok and Phuket with my Bath classmates just the past week. And now I am in Sydney on with my new job. In a lovely serviced apartment and just being here reminds me of my days in the UK. The ads on TV look like those in the UK, they even have specs savers ads. :) If only I could travel a bit more with my job. :)
Wasn't really enthusiastic about the trip here, just because it's Australia, but now that I am here, I am starting to like the place. The people (read men) are goodlooking, service is good. hmmmm and it's a really nice place. Anyway I am so grateful for the opportunity, particularly in the current economic situation. :)
Thursday, January 08, 2009
the best thing since sliced bread...
...the interweb, and a/c is...*drum roll* google maps! Have I told you guys how much I loove this app? Perfect for control freaks (like me). Locations, directions, and now they have in beta version the walking directions feature - tells you how to walk from point A to Point B and in how much time. Perfecto! And with a satellite view, I feel a bit enemy of the state doin' a bit of spyin'. If you know what I mean.
Tracking down how to get from my hotel in Sydney to the office. I got a new job! And I am really grateful for that - after all my complains and want-to-cry-moments-at-2am-while-at-work, I am truly truly happy that what I wanted came through. I guess it'll save a lot of my friends and cous some ear relief for a few months, till I get bored with the job again. :) But this is a one year stint. So we'll have to see how it all will pan out. Till then - happy, grateful and hopeful for the future!
Tracking down how to get from my hotel in Sydney to the office. I got a new job! And I am really grateful for that - after all my complains and want-to-cry-moments-at-2am-while-at-work, I am truly truly happy that what I wanted came through. I guess it'll save a lot of my friends and cous some ear relief for a few months, till I get bored with the job again. :) But this is a one year stint. So we'll have to see how it all will pan out. Till then - happy, grateful and hopeful for the future!
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