Last Friday, I went out with my close girlfriends for a Girls' Night Out.
We stayed at a nice Japanese restaurant for the whole night - copious amounts of delicious Japanese food, green tea and sake reigned the night. We were the loudest table that night and had probably the longest bill to boot.
There they were, 3 of my oldest and dearest friends -
I know G since we were 13 and in the same secondary 1 class. Her mum and my dad both worked for the same government body. I would have known her for 23 years (oops! you know my age now!). She is a teacher and now a mother to 2 lovely boys.
P, I have known since we were 14 so she is a close second to G for 22 years. She is now happily married and doing very well in her career. She is still in the same hairstyle as the first time I laid eyes on her.
S is by far probably the one who made life choices most similar to mine. How we come to know each other would need another blog for another day but we have known each other now for 21 years. She is running operations for her company and is set to be the next COO for her company.
I love them all and would love to spend more time together. Different schedules and goals in life push us in different directions. With much effort we finally could spend some quality time together, just us.
It feels great to be around friends who love, accept and support us no matter what life throws at us. P mentioned a few times that night that she felt comfortable and relaxed. She can be herself and there is nothing to hide - we know who each others' crushes, ex's and embarrassing moments during our awkward teenage years.
I remind myself to treasure them as I grow older. Not many people in our lives know how we were like 20 years ago, what we went through in life...and the way we looked in scary big glasses or badly fitted clothes. They know the mistakes we made and the boyfriends we dumped!
I am very blessed to have friends like them in my life. This night out served to show us how important we are to each other. So cheers ladies, to many more such night outs!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Expense Management
DH has a theory. A pasar malam theory...that when the economy is not doing well, the pasar malams grow in numbers.
He is right. In a span of 1 week, there were 2 different pasar malams in Tampines Central within 400 metres of each other. Each mustering their all to attract patrons - from Ramli burgers to delicious deep fried vadei to kiddy rides and carnival games.
Things sold there are cheaper than in the shops. There is also a lot more variety of goods. Quality may be waning a bit as I found out the hard way when my eldest's $10 Ben 10 school bag last all of 1 month.
With that in mind and being hit by daily reports of how bad the economy is doing (yes I get it already!), I have started a crusade to cut dicretionary spending at home.
1 Eat breakfast at home
2 Pack lunch to work
3 Practice delayed gratification more by actually (gasp!) saving for what I want
4 Go grocery shopping only once a week (steady...deep breath...in...out)
5 Saying "NO!" loudly and with gusto before hearing what it is that my kids want
6 Discretely pocketing the leftover chili packets and serviettes if I eat out
7 Take the MRT and avoid the taxi
8 Avoid window shopping like the plague
9 Walk instead of taking the car
10 Sell stuff on ebay
I have to say, these are not difficult to do or implement. Just needs a bit of good old discipline and self restraint (which I must say, stops at good food). You will be surprise how little you REALLY need.
I did not stop there...educating our next generation is important so all the shouting of the "NO!" has left an impression on my kids. They are now asking how much everything costs, comparing prices before making decisions and saving. I am proud that in times of difficulty, they are able to understand and help.
Now with all the belt tightening, I should give myself a reward...deep fried vadei here I come!
He is right. In a span of 1 week, there were 2 different pasar malams in Tampines Central within 400 metres of each other. Each mustering their all to attract patrons - from Ramli burgers to delicious deep fried vadei to kiddy rides and carnival games.
Things sold there are cheaper than in the shops. There is also a lot more variety of goods. Quality may be waning a bit as I found out the hard way when my eldest's $10 Ben 10 school bag last all of 1 month.
With that in mind and being hit by daily reports of how bad the economy is doing (yes I get it already!), I have started a crusade to cut dicretionary spending at home.
1 Eat breakfast at home
2 Pack lunch to work
3 Practice delayed gratification more by actually (gasp!) saving for what I want
4 Go grocery shopping only once a week (steady...deep breath...in...out)
5 Saying "NO!" loudly and with gusto before hearing what it is that my kids want
6 Discretely pocketing the leftover chili packets and serviettes if I eat out
7 Take the MRT and avoid the taxi
8 Avoid window shopping like the plague
9 Walk instead of taking the car
10 Sell stuff on ebay
I have to say, these are not difficult to do or implement. Just needs a bit of good old discipline and self restraint (which I must say, stops at good food). You will be surprise how little you REALLY need.
I did not stop there...educating our next generation is important so all the shouting of the "NO!" has left an impression on my kids. They are now asking how much everything costs, comparing prices before making decisions and saving. I am proud that in times of difficulty, they are able to understand and help.
Now with all the belt tightening, I should give myself a reward...deep fried vadei here I come!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Priority Seats
This morning, I was waiting for the train to get to work.
When the train door opened, I saw a lady standing near the door. That really got my blood pumping since she looked like she is at least 6 - 7 months pregnant. The "priority seat" I assumed, was taken and that's why she stood holding on to the pole near the door.
You see, my stop, Tampines is only 1 stop from Pasir Ris which is where the train would have originated from. Not only she did not get a seat, she was left standing there. It is my pet peeve as I know how difficult it is to be pregnant.
In Tokyo and Seoul where I had the opportunity to take my family for holidays, priority seats are really priority seats. They are given up to old folks, pregnant women and folks with young kids with them. No matter where we went, as we had young kids with us, we always have a seat. Always. The Japanese and Koreans were truly gracious...as compared to us Singaporeans.
My friend noticed that whenever an "eligible" passenger get up the train, miraculously everyone would be asleep and not able to give up their seats. Others noticed that the younger generation are the ones hogging the seats, PSP or DS2 in hand. What ever happened to a more gracious and caring nation?
Everytime I see a situation like this, I feel like going to the offender and slapping them awake or taking their game set away. What was wrong with these people? Are they so tired that they did not care what happened to their fellow human beings in need or so selfish that all they think about is themselves?
The train came and we were squashed to the centre of the train car. Then I spot an old man (who could hardly balance) walk into our car. The young man sitting in the priority seat, abeit a a bit slow, gave up his seat to the old man.
Thank goodness my husband did not need to bail me out of the police station this morning for assault.
When the train door opened, I saw a lady standing near the door. That really got my blood pumping since she looked like she is at least 6 - 7 months pregnant. The "priority seat" I assumed, was taken and that's why she stood holding on to the pole near the door.
You see, my stop, Tampines is only 1 stop from Pasir Ris which is where the train would have originated from. Not only she did not get a seat, she was left standing there. It is my pet peeve as I know how difficult it is to be pregnant.
In Tokyo and Seoul where I had the opportunity to take my family for holidays, priority seats are really priority seats. They are given up to old folks, pregnant women and folks with young kids with them. No matter where we went, as we had young kids with us, we always have a seat. Always. The Japanese and Koreans were truly gracious...as compared to us Singaporeans.
My friend noticed that whenever an "eligible" passenger get up the train, miraculously everyone would be asleep and not able to give up their seats. Others noticed that the younger generation are the ones hogging the seats, PSP or DS2 in hand. What ever happened to a more gracious and caring nation?
Everytime I see a situation like this, I feel like going to the offender and slapping them awake or taking their game set away. What was wrong with these people? Are they so tired that they did not care what happened to their fellow human beings in need or so selfish that all they think about is themselves?
The train came and we were squashed to the centre of the train car. Then I spot an old man (who could hardly balance) walk into our car. The young man sitting in the priority seat, abeit a a bit slow, gave up his seat to the old man.
Thank goodness my husband did not need to bail me out of the police station this morning for assault.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
25 Random Things About Me
I received the following note in my Facebook account from a friend,
"Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you. I won't be at all offended if you choose not to respond.
(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)"
Then followed was a really cool list of the 25 random things about her.
I thought I will not be able to come up with 25 random things. But when I started to turn on the tap, I could not turn it off. I think I will have to write another 25 random things about me.
Here's the first list...
1 I grew up in a small typical Chinese, Singaporean family. Dad worked, Mum stayed at home.
2 I was a Brownie and Girl Guide in school. I was also in the Choir, Guitar Club, Science Club, Prefectorial Board, Vice Captain of the Departmental Committee, Chairman of the Computer-Based Learning Centre in NUS.
3 I am particularly bossy, organised and very anal about how things should be done.
4 I have canoed, camped out overnight in an island with no bathroom in my bathing suit, abseiled facing down from a 2 storey cliff, ate cold sardines and hard tack biscuits, fell 3 storeys down a tree, done the flying fox from a 10 storey height, tried to kill a duck wtih just a blunt parang knife (not a pretty sight), cooked over an open fire, gone 5 days without bathing during my honeymoon (treking in Nepal), climbed a tree and slept under the stars.
5 My tuna fish sandwiches, baked pasta and curry chicken are favourites with family and friends.
6 I used to drink coffee everyday but I gave it up so that I can enjoy it even more when I do drink it.
7 Staying calm does not come easy to me as I have lots of fire in my belly. I get passionate (read:react emotionally) about almost everything.
8 I gave birth to 4 kids with no epidural ($400 a pop! No way Jose!), just a bit of oxygen and digging my nails into Max's arm.
9 I love food so I cannot remember anytime in my adult life that I was actually thin.
10 I am crazy about grocery shopping and have to force myself to go only once a week.
11 I want to change the world - one person at a time.
12 I know how to play the piano, play the guitar, speak a bit French (although it is fading fast), make a raft from rope and poles, whip up a luxurious breakfast in 15 mins, strike fear in my kids' heart but love in my husband's.
13 I have an amazing memory so it drives Max crazy that I can remember what clothes we wore when and the story of a movie/tv show we watched years ago.
14 I found God as an adult and got baptised in 2006, 5 months after I delivered my third son.
15 I read everything! Ever tried to read a few books at the same time? I guess now I know where my eldest son got that!
16 I have a great sense of humour but not so when the joke's on me.
17 I learnt that forgiveness sets ME free.
18 I have a massive number of ziploc bags and post-it notes at home.
19 Fried onions and garlic on spicy dried instant noodles is my comfort food. Top that with a fried sunny side up and 2 pieces of fried luncheon meat and you are in business!
20 I killed 2 crabs to make chilli crabs for my family. I confided in my mum that I felt really bad for 3 days.
21 I have an unexplainable fear of being trapped 30,000 leagues under the sea and exploding in space when my space suit gets torn.
22 I love my family and friends coming over to my house for any reason/excuse we can come up with.
23 I squeeze my toothpaste from the middle.
24 I got my current job when the headhunter asked me if I wanted it one Sunday at the pharmacy I was working at. He had asked to speak with me outside the shop and I thought he had some STD. I am now coming to 12 years with the job and loving it still.
25 I hope to retire at 45 years old with Max and travel the world with him.
"Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you. I won't be at all offended if you choose not to respond.
(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)"
Then followed was a really cool list of the 25 random things about her.
I thought I will not be able to come up with 25 random things. But when I started to turn on the tap, I could not turn it off. I think I will have to write another 25 random things about me.
Here's the first list...
1 I grew up in a small typical Chinese, Singaporean family. Dad worked, Mum stayed at home.
2 I was a Brownie and Girl Guide in school. I was also in the Choir, Guitar Club, Science Club, Prefectorial Board, Vice Captain of the Departmental Committee, Chairman of the Computer-Based Learning Centre in NUS.
3 I am particularly bossy, organised and very anal about how things should be done.
4 I have canoed, camped out overnight in an island with no bathroom in my bathing suit, abseiled facing down from a 2 storey cliff, ate cold sardines and hard tack biscuits, fell 3 storeys down a tree, done the flying fox from a 10 storey height, tried to kill a duck wtih just a blunt parang knife (not a pretty sight), cooked over an open fire, gone 5 days without bathing during my honeymoon (treking in Nepal), climbed a tree and slept under the stars.
5 My tuna fish sandwiches, baked pasta and curry chicken are favourites with family and friends.
6 I used to drink coffee everyday but I gave it up so that I can enjoy it even more when I do drink it.
7 Staying calm does not come easy to me as I have lots of fire in my belly. I get passionate (read:react emotionally) about almost everything.
8 I gave birth to 4 kids with no epidural ($400 a pop! No way Jose!), just a bit of oxygen and digging my nails into Max's arm.
9 I love food so I cannot remember anytime in my adult life that I was actually thin.
10 I am crazy about grocery shopping and have to force myself to go only once a week.
11 I want to change the world - one person at a time.
12 I know how to play the piano, play the guitar, speak a bit French (although it is fading fast), make a raft from rope and poles, whip up a luxurious breakfast in 15 mins, strike fear in my kids' heart but love in my husband's.
13 I have an amazing memory so it drives Max crazy that I can remember what clothes we wore when and the story of a movie/tv show we watched years ago.
14 I found God as an adult and got baptised in 2006, 5 months after I delivered my third son.
15 I read everything! Ever tried to read a few books at the same time? I guess now I know where my eldest son got that!
16 I have a great sense of humour but not so when the joke's on me.
17 I learnt that forgiveness sets ME free.
18 I have a massive number of ziploc bags and post-it notes at home.
19 Fried onions and garlic on spicy dried instant noodles is my comfort food. Top that with a fried sunny side up and 2 pieces of fried luncheon meat and you are in business!
20 I killed 2 crabs to make chilli crabs for my family. I confided in my mum that I felt really bad for 3 days.
21 I have an unexplainable fear of being trapped 30,000 leagues under the sea and exploding in space when my space suit gets torn.
22 I love my family and friends coming over to my house for any reason/excuse we can come up with.
23 I squeeze my toothpaste from the middle.
24 I got my current job when the headhunter asked me if I wanted it one Sunday at the pharmacy I was working at. He had asked to speak with me outside the shop and I thought he had some STD. I am now coming to 12 years with the job and loving it still.
25 I hope to retire at 45 years old with Max and travel the world with him.
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