SnAkE @ hOmE

Mom told me this evening that when she got home, you saw two Indian workers coming out of our place. And she was worried and wondered what had happened. Apparently, my brother spotted a snake in my parents room near the curtains. And dad had asked the workers who were working @ my neighbours house to come over to catch it.

Snake in the room? Gee .... i wondered how many days have it been in the room. Coz. mom said that dad had heard some sounds the day before but didn't reckon that it was anything serious.

My goodness!

Not Feeling The Best

Don't know what to anticipate. Restructing with effect 2 May. My current superior's portfolio has been narrowed down to specialise in just my department which she has very little experience in. In a way, she is green at it and the whole team is more experienced than her.

It makes me really frustrated. Not that i don't think she will do a good job. I think she will do well. Just that it's a pity that she will be relinguishing her roles and duties in what she was good at. Previously, my department was one of the 3 departments which she was taking care of which means that i had more freedom to make my own decisions.

Have been feeling alot of pressure lately and now that it's confirmed that she's heading the whole department, i felt that it''s like a 'stamp on the passport'. Felt more restricted.

Urgggg ............................ !

It has been strange too. Dreamt that somebody close to me was really down, stressed up & not able to take the immense pressure of work. The person came to look for me for comfort. I wonder if this friend is really facing this right now. I think i'll better text mail this friend to check if he is ok tommorrow.

Night Golfing @ Orchid Country Club

Tired playing golf at the Orchid Country Club driving range on Sunday nite and it was really fun. I had 3 very good coaches and mind u, Kallista and Jolene are really good. Both have been learning golf for 3 years. No wonder they can hit the ball really well and far. Karen mentioned that they are both in higher grade now. The other coach is of course Steve.

It was the first time for me at the driving range. But like any new sport or game, i'll need lots of practice. Like what S, K & J say, lots of patience too. I'll try to go back to the range to practice soon although my right hand and arms are still aching. And yeap, certainly a good game to release stress after a hard day's work.



Kallista & Jolene had lots of fun. And yes, certainly an eye-opener that kids can play golf so well. I've always thought that they don't have the strength but the two of them proved me wrong. I guess Rylan will join the sisters when he grows up.





And here's the kids demonstrating their skills. Like what Karen said, their coach will be quite proud of them if he sees the clip. They are like professionals @ play. I'm impressed. Can't believe that Jolene learnt golf when she's just 3 years old and now she's 6 yrs.

Demonstration by Jolene












Demonstration by Kallista







And here's Steven in action.



>

The Universal

My business partner hosted us to a business lunch last week. The place ... a new restaurant called "The Universal" which is located @ 36 Duxton Hill (http://www.theuniversal.com.sg). It was the first time for all of us there and the place has been featured by their editorial team & journalist. So far, it is the third restaurant which i have tried around the Duxton area.

The first is BROTH, a quaint eatery featuring a range of Modern European Cuisine. Went there several years back, also a hosted luncheon. The second is CREPERIE AR-MEN, a really nice restaurant selling authentic French crepes from Brittany. It was introduced by a friend and i remember we celebrated her birthday there several years back.

Some of the food which we ordered:

Starters

Garden Fresh Tomato Salad with Anchovies, Shavings of Aged Parmesanand Toasted almonds

Port and Cognac Marinated Duck Foie Gras with Balsamic Jelly, Puree of

Dried Fruit and homemade Brioche

Mains

Duck Confit with Roasted Ratte Potato and Beetroot Mousse Drizzled with a Homemade Sage Infused Orange Sauce

Beef tenderloin wrapped with Procuitto Ham and topped with Oyster Fritters

and Asparagus accompanied with Béarnaise Sauce

Chilean Cod with Homemade Cep Infused Spaetzle and Wilted Spinach Drizzled in a Red Wine and Wild Mushroom Sauce

Braised Chicken with Sautéed Wild mushrooms and herbs

Dessert

Flourless Warm Chocolate Cake with a flowing chocolate center

served with French Vanilla Pod Ice Cream
Mille-Feuille of Manjari Chocolate Mousse with Passion Fruit Parfait

Strawberries Sautéed with Fresh Sweet Basil and Black Pepper Topped

with Coriander infused Cream

Granny Dearest

I've been reminded this week to spend time with 2 of my grandmas.

Went to pick grandma (dad's mom) up to join us for dinner since no one was home on sat nite. My uncle, auntie & cousins were all out. When we went to pick her, she said she was very bored at home. We could have come to pick her up earlier to join us for grocery shopping.

On the way back, mom mentioned that my the other grandma (mom's mom) hasn't been talking much at all for the past few days. My uncle was very worried and wondered if anyone in the family has upset her. So, he brought her out for dinner.

I know that mom's mom has been very worried about my youngest uncle who's having a very tough time at work and has just engaged a laywer for his case.

And the main complaint amongst the 2 grandma is that there is no-one to talk to them. The house seems so big and quiet most of the time when everyone is at work. They feel really lonely. I think my dad feels the same way too since he's retired.

Well, i just need to make more conscious effort to spend time with them. I''m not going to do nothing and regret when it's too late. With my chinese-english bible next to be now, i have just been reminded once more of what i need to do.

Restaurants With Nice Ambience

Francis opened a new restaurant next to his RainTree Spa & Labrador Hotel at Labrador Park. Was there for a meeting cum lunch today. I love the ambience as it faces the sea. The restaurant is called Villa Seafood Galleria. Apparently, the chef used to be from The Humble House.

The other restaurants which are also under him have very lovely ambience too. There's:

- The Olive Ristorante @Labrador Park
- Pier Eleven Restaurant @ Marina South Piere
- Made In China Chinese Cuisine @ Har Par Villa.

That's Francis Rolls Royce & Ferrari which greeted us when we arrived.

The lovely pool area infront of the restaurant.

Villa Seafood Galleria. There's suppose to be a chill-out roof-top bar which is still undergoing renovation. Should be quite lovely as it faces the sea.

Karen, Steve & Family

Karen, Steven & family is back to Singapore for their 2 months vacation. Carrie & me brought them out to Fishermen's Village on sunday nite for dinner. I was really tired since it has been a long day for me. But still, i decided to bring them out since i will be travelling the next two weeks.

The kids enjoyed looking at the fishes although they were scared of some of the cats there were around. The next outing would probably be to the driving range. The 2 kids are learning golf now and yeah .... Jolene said i could choose among the 3 of them (Steve, Kallista & her) to be my coach. Ha Ha!

Feeling The Pressure

These few weeks hasn't been the best for me. It was been very pressurising, stressful, irritating and frustrating. I know i have not been at my best when it comes to work. Simply felt that the working patterns between my superior and me is so different. She has been super fussy & demanding ... which means that life hasn't been easy for all who is under her.

Somehow after 16 months, i wonder if i have actually gotton used to her style. Maybe not. Yeah ... have been feeling the pressure and weight on me so much that i even dreamt of her. My goodness!

Plus the fact that there are other things that is bothering me. I guess i can only find the peace and strength in God to move on with life.

Pictures With The Bride

date

Sat, 7 April 2007

venue

Grand Copthorne Hotel

event

Max & Jessie's Wedding

.......................

ShArOn was nice enough to email the pictures taken during JeSsIe'S wedding to us real quick. Here are the pix!






We love the "China - Shanghainese - nostaglic" look of Jess. It suits her so perfectly.

Very different look from the usual brides.

Fond memories ...... we will always remember the day when the whole class skipped the afternoon lessons and was caught by teacher. Jess and another class-mate ran out of the school, dashed across the road but fell. In the end, her skirt was torn.





JeSs remembered AlViN's birthday and threw him a surprise .... a birthday cake for him. How thoughful of her. Here's Alvin and his younger son, Eaton.

Some of the gals were trying to confuse EaToN. That one candle means one year old. And this means that Daddy is just one year old.

And here's a Happy Family shot ..... AlViN, ShU-hUi & EaToN. Alvin's the proud father of 3. Two boys and one gal. Mommy was surprise that Eaton knows how to do a "VICTORY'' sign. Oh ... it was actually daddy who was holding his hand. But this picture looks good. Too bad Nigel and the sister is not around.

MaB & EvE

Alas ... my dear friend mabel is not complaining of migrane tonite. For the last few wedding dinners which we attended together, she is always having headache. Pure coincidence or is she simply 'allergic' to weddings.

Who can guess that ShArOn is 5 months pregnant in this picture rite?

And here's for memory. Pictures with our pregnant friend ... the first in the group.




Showing off her "tummy".

My Dream Diary

A friend asked me recently how my 'dreams' have been. For those that know me well, i've always had many dreams. I remember when i was young, i actually went to the extent where i would pray to God not to let me dream so that i can have a 'peaceful'' sleep. It's as if i would be exhuasted by all the activities that were taking place in my dreams.

Some of the more vivid and recurring dreams that i had :

1) Falling Teeth
Always dreamt that my teeth falls out one by one. That scares me alot. How does it impact me? Well, after taking my wisdom tooth out, i've had regular check-ups at NDC since.

I still have this dream on off over the past few years. For recurring dreams, whenever i dream of it again, i can even tell myself in the dream that wow ... it's the same one.

(Teeth falling out suddenly or all at once may symbolize fear of things that are beyond your control. Dreaming of teeth falling out may represent insecurity. These dreams often occur at a time of transition between one phase of life and another.

Teeth are used to bite, tear, chew and gnaw. In this regard, teeth represent power. And the loss of teeth in your dream may be from a sense of powerlessness. This dream is an indication that you need to be more assertive and believe in the value of your own opinion.)

2) Dog Bite
I am always trying to prevent the dog from biting me in dreams. I really wonder if i have been actually bitten by dogs when i was a child because i grew up being very afraid of them. Had a night-marish time especially when we had a german shepherd previously. The dog would chase after all of us and we would run all over the house to 'save' ourseleves. 'Tramautised child-hood perhaps but these are memories. On the contrary, i actually thought i heard the dog howled on several occassions after it has been put to sleep.

(To dream that you are being bitten, represents your vulnerability regarding your unresolved issues emotions. You may be pestered by a problem or obstacle. )

3) Airplane
In my dream, it's at night and it seems rather peaceful. I looked to the sky from home and before i know it, there are many airplanes in the sky and it seems that it's the 'beginning'of the end times. It makes it really scared.

(To see an airplane in your dream, indicates that you will overcome your obstacles and rise above to a new level of prominence and status. You may experience a higher consciousness, new-found freedom and greater awareness.)

4) Needles
I've had this dream occassionally over the past few years. There's needles all over me and it seems impossible to pluck all these out. I can be practical in my dreams too. I had this dream not too long ago. It was close to 10pm when it happened. I panicked because i know the clinic closes at 10pm. I called the clinic to take a number and was surprised that it was still open. I rushed down even though it was a company event at that time.

(A needle is also symbolic of some emotional or physical pain.)

5) Praying
There was several times when i see myself praying in dreams. It actually caught me by surprise that i was praying even in my dreams.

(To dream that you are praying, signifies a need to turn over some matter to a higher force and let it go. You need to learn to relinquish and let go of your worries. It may also be an indication that you need to pray more. )


RECENT DREAM

Tiger
I actually saw a tiger almost attacking me and roaming around the place. It seems that i was on holiday and ran for safety. From where i was, it overlooks the sea and i saw my grandma, cousins and auntie at the beach enjoying themselves. I tried desperately to call my cousin to tell them to run for safety. Before i knew it, the tiger was behind them and they didn't even realised it. By the time my cousin picked up his phone, the tiger has already disappeared.

(To see a tiger in your dream, represents power and your ability to exert it in various situations. The dream may also indicate that you to take more of a leadership role. To dream that you are attacked by a tiger, symbolizes repressed feelings or emotions that frighten you.)

DREAMS WHEN CLOSED ONES PASSED ON:

Dreams about deceased:
Sometimes i can't quite figure out if i am afraid of such dreams. I usually do dream of my closed ones when they pass on. I know in the last occassion, i was scared. I stayed up till 7am in the morning when the skies are bright before i sleep. At least the bright skies comforts me instead of darkness.

(This dream may be a way for you to resolve your feelings with those who have passed on.
To see your dead sibling, relative, or friend alive in your dream, indicates that you miss them and are trying to relive your old experiences you had with them. In trying to keep up with the pace of your daily waking life, you dreams may serve as your only outlet in coping and coming to terms with the loss of a loved one.)


ACCURATE DREAMS:

Friends Who Are Pregnant
This is my infamous dream which most of my friends know. There was this period of time when i dreamt consecutively that certain people were pregnant. And they were shortly after my dreams. I didn't tell anyone who i dreamt of just in case they are not accurate and dissappoint them.

A Friend Who Was Supposed To Get Married
This happened many years back. I had a friend who went overseas to 'marry'' her long time Australian boyfriend. Just prior to the wedding, i dreamt that the groom was not a westerner but actually an Asian which was a real surprise. It turned out that she called off the wedding. And 2 - 3 years later, she married an Australian-Asian. Wow! Incredible!


THE DREAM THAT CHANGED MY LIFE:

The End Times
I had this dream during my last year of Uni in Melbourne. At that time, my close friend Karen was asking me to apply for PR status. It was a big thing for me and i was really seeking for directions. I prayed about it and one night, i dreamt abt the end times and i knew God wanted me to come back to Singapore to 'save' my family. I woke up crying really badly and the whole pillow was wet. The next thing, i called Karen up and told her that i was coming home. It was really amazing also bec. at that time, i was praying to God to put me in a Christian environment when i come back and he did, right away. I returned to Singapore on 23rd Dec and met all the hoppies on the 24th Dec during a christimas eve party. And well, the rest is history.


DIRECTIONAL DREAMS:

Dreams On Relationships and Life-Partner
There was this dream which i had where God gave me this verse. "Love the lord with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your soul. The same applies to the relationship with my life-partner.


(Disclaimer: Interpretations are based on the researches posted on various websites)

Romance dÁmour

I fell in love with this beautiful classic spanish guitar piece which a friend recommened to me last week. I look forward to the day when i can play the whole piece.

On Bended Knees

This Easter will be a memorable one for me coz. well, i started the day "WRONG''. I tripped and fell while on the way to Nexus @ Orchard Plaza and ended up with two badly bruised and swollen knees (literally on bended knees). I guess i am either careless or anxious to attend service. Will probably take a couple of weeks before it recovers. Thankfully, i am glad that i changed my mind this morning and wore jeans instead. If not, the wound would definedly be worst.

I think many years back, i fell on the same part of my knees, off from the bicycle. That time was worst. It took many months to heal.

Anyway, service was pretty good today and i love the art illustration done up by some members. It's good to see talents put in good use.

EASTER

What does Easter mean to you?
Is it more than eggs of every hue?
Does the Easter bunny rule your day?
If so there is a better way.

On Good Friday our Savior died.
They hung him on a cross--they pierced his side.
Thorns provided him a cruel crown.
“It is finished” was his final sound.

He died our sinful souls to save,
A borrowed tomb was his grave.
But Good Friday doesn’t end the story,
On Easter morning he arose with glory.

Christ conquered death for you and me,
And made it possible for us to be sin free.
The fact that he arose from the grave
Shows us he has the power to save.

Let us rejoice every day
That Jesus is the life, the truth, and the way.
And that he died, was buried, and rose again,
To complete God’s great salvation plan.


Bob Hefner

Jessie's Wedding

Just came back from Jessie's wedding dinner. She looks gorgeous. What makes it memorable tonite is that we finally saw our ''long-time'" classmate LC (from afar though) who's now a policewoman or CID. It's been so many years since anyone of us saw her - 12 years and thus, we were all so curious.

The bride gave our friend, Alvin a surprise too. Jess is so thoughful. Even though it's her big day tonite, she actually remembered Alvin's birthday and gave him a 'surprise birthday cake''. She had something different for her wedding dinner too. She actually had belly dancers performed for us.

Will get all the pictures from Sharon and post it up soon.