This week's The Friday Five, particularly apt because of the Toto $10 million prize next Thurs.

You have just won one million dollars:

1. Who do you call first?
Most probably my parents.

2. What is the first thing you buy for yourself?
A car, BMW convertible maybe.

3. What is the first thing you buy for someone else?
I think it's more practical to give cash.

4. Do you give any away? If yes, to whom?
Yes, to my parents of course. Plus, give treats to my relatives and friends.

5. Do you invest any? If so, how?
Yes, in a portfolio of bonds and shares. A condominium apartment, which I will rent out.

# posted by Shopaholic : 2:44 AM

Just got back from dinner and drinks with my friends. We went to Fosters cafe at Holland Village, followed by Tangos.

This is my first time dining at Fosters. I always pass by via the staircase beside it and the ambience seems perfect. Candles, live music, saliva-inducing-smelling food. So, I chose it for my birthday dinner. The ambience is as good as expected but the food was below par. The steak at Jack's Place is better. However, it's always good to try new things though. Big thanks to Workaholic, Sleepaholic, Nic-aholic and Immortal for the treat and for celebrating my birthday for me.

There was also live music while we were having dinner. I thought the singer was ok, but Nic-aholic feels otherwise.

We then proceeded to Wala Wala but it turned out to be an extremely crowded night so we had to settle for Tangos, right beside it. Sleepaholic, Workaholic and me shared a jug of Strawberry Daiquiri.

# posted by Shopaholic : 2:27 AM

I spent the day pampering myself, with a facial scrub and mask, plus my own manicure and pedicure.

Yeah!!! Starhub is having a promotion now where you can sign up for a year of MaxOnline and get a free Linksys router for free. Since my brother's contract has ended, I'm getting him to sign up for another year. So, all I have to do now is buy the USB card for my computer and I will have my wireless broadband access! Finally I can stop plogging along my snail dialup.

# posted by Shopaholic : 4:35 PM

5 Feb. Next Thursday. Toto prize, $10 million. I am going to stake a fortune to get my hands on that. $20, me thinks.

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:23 AM

It's my birthday . Mixed feelings, as it means I'm another year older. However, it's the only day in 8 days, since CNY day 1, the sun is actually shining!

What do I want most today?
1) Celebrating it in the loud and boisterous company of my friends - Tonight, dinner.
2) Not having to work - I'm on leave.
3) Quiet celebration with Someone - It was supposed to be this afternoon, and after dinner tonight. I'm being stood up this afternoon for an important meeting which absolutely cannot be postponed. Tonight, we'll see.

So, I'm now left with a long day ahead, not having to work and no plans as yet. Thinking of how to make the best of it. No shopping, definitely! I'm not going anywhere near the malls for at least 2 months after those 2 suits which weren't intended. Maybe I'll go swimming and get a nice tan.

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:22 AM

Inspired these days to dress more in keeping with a professional image, I just splurged on 2 more suits today. Not the old-fashioned looking kind, mind you. Both have some unique details in them, which I always keep a lookout for. The salesgirl at UOB Centre BLUM pissed me off with extremely bad service, but more on that tomorrow.

# posted by Shopaholic : 12:02 AM

My company engaged a lion dance troupe to perform at the building entrance this morning, so everyone in my department (all 4 of us) chipped in to get them to drop by our office to liven things up as well.

Apparently, our hongbao (red packet) is the highest compared with a lot of other departments, so in addition to a auspicious word (formed by mandarin oranges), the lion also performed in Big Boss’ room for a while and left us 4 lucky numbers.

That of course resulted in 4D (lottery) frenzy. Another comical sight was some of the top management surrounding the auspicious word on the floor, trying to decipher numbers from it . In the end, I contributed about $30 for the bets.

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:25 PM

A person voted my blog as "sucks" on Bloghop. I know this is a very low percentage compared with the 10 who said they "love it". But it still bothers me in that brief moment. Just humour me and let me rant.

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:21 PM

Some of my views and comments about relationships on my friends' blogs: Mydaemon and Nic-aholic.

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:43 PM

Tomorrow is the 7th day of Chinese New Year (CNY), Ren Ri i.e. the day when humans were made by Nuwa, the goddess who created earth and all things living (this is what I remember of the legend, correct me if I'm wrong).

In a uniquely Singapore/ Malaysia custom, we will normally have a dish called Yu Sheng (raw fish mixed with some other shredded ingredients like carrot) during CNY which we will try and toss as high as possible before eating. This is supposed to signify Bu Bu Gao Sheng, meaning we will do well in our careers in the coming year. This whole process is called Lao Yu Sheng (Mandarin)/ Lo Hei (Cantonese) and I'm not sure why, but most people prefer to do it on Ren Ri.

So, Second Boss, Su and I thought of organizing a lunch with some of our usual lunch partners from the other departments (Second Boss' power lunch gang) and go Lao Yu Sheng. To my amazement, all the restaurants within 5km of Raffles Place were fully booked for the 12pm slot. In the end, we had to do away with the dim sum and settle for a Teochew restaurant.

(I have already Lao once in JB last Fri and have another session planned for Sun with my friends. Hopefully, the more times I Lao, the better work will be? )

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:38 PM

After a 2 weeks break from gym, I finally dragged my ass down to California Fitness today. To compensate for pigging out over CNY, I ran a little faster and a little longer. Gosh, my bones feel like they are disintegrating. Wouldn't it be wonderful if there's a massager that can yield the same results as running while I watch TV in bed?

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:55 PM

You represent... hope.
You're quite a daydreamer and can be a hopeless
romantic. You enjoy being creative and don't
mind being alone at times. You have goals, and
know what you want in life... even if they are
a little far fetched.

What feeling do you represent?
brought to you by Quizilla

# posted by Shopaholic : 9:35 PM

We had a gambling session at Sexaholic's house (by default, since he's the only one not staying with parents) yesterday. We played Black Jack and In Between. Big losers were Workaholic and me , but she lost more.

Beauty Jo and Lion joined us in the later part of the night. Just what is it about women in relationships?
Jo: "Dear, how much should I bet?"
Lion: "Up to you, it's your money. Make your own decisions."
Jo: "Dear, you decide for me."

Eeks! Do apparently clever women lose their brains and decision-making ability the moment they have a boyfriend? Or do they have an innate need to appear helpless? Wahhhh, I hope I don't behave the same way. At least, I don't think I do. It's irritating for bystanders to watch. Especially when the men act all macho.

# posted by Shopaholic : 12:26 PM

As mentioned previously, I visited my Malaysian relatives yesterday. We were stuck in a traffic jam for about 2 hrs in the morning at the Causeway!

I can really feel a sense of festivities yesterday. Why?

4 of my Malaysian cousins are now working/ studying in Kuala Lumpur and we hardly get to meet up, maybe at most twice a year, which hardly compares with our bi-monthly gatherings when we were younger. So, this is definitely a rare occasion where the whole family gathers and perhaps therein lies the greatest meaning of Chinese New Year (CNY). A season of reunion.

Of course, there was the requisite CNY entertainment, card games. It’s not about the money, but more about the loud voices, the excitement, egging on each other and amidst that, the feeling of family. Knowing that some things don’t change. (I’m still the only rose among 7 thorns, hehe.)

The 2 eldest cousins, both successful eligible bachelors, are hitting their 40s and still have no intention of getting married. 3rd cousin Jie, however, now has a Thai wife, Om, but is still our big brother, caring towards his younger brothers and cousins. The obese 5th cousin, Yao is still as miserly as ever, taking ages to decide whether to follow the bet, inducing exasperation in us.

And for the elder generation. My grandmother is now in her 90s. She can no longer recognize us and is so thin she only has a layer of skin covering her bones. It upsets me to see her this way but thankfully, she has my uncle’s wife taking good care of her, tending to her everyday needs.

We ended the night with a sumptuous 8-course dinner at the New Hong Kong restaurant. Unfortunately, the place was short-staffed and there was an unusually big crowd. We ended up having to wait nearly an hour for the first 2 courses to be served and the whole dinner took about 3 hours to complete.

Would love to continue catching up with my cousins but it’s back to work for all of us on Monday.

# posted by Shopaholic : 3:13 PM

I'm back home watching American Idol 3 (yeah, it's finally back!) after visiting the whole day.

Workaholic, Sleepaholic, Nic-aholic and Immortal are probably out clubbing at Powerhouse where Paul Van Dyke is the guest DJ tonight. Wish I could have been there, but I have to be up bright and early to go to Johore Bahru, Malaysia in the morning. (My mom's birthplace place, so half my relatives are residing there.)

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:12 PM

Occasion: Chinese New Year eve
Activity: Reunion dinner
Location: Grandparent's house
Time: 7pm
Guests: The whole extended family, including grandparents, uncles, aunties, cousins

Here's wishing everybody a Happy Lunar New Year!!! Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!

# posted by Shopaholic : 6:04 PM

The 30-year-old tells CHONG CHEE KIN why she took Shankar Aiyar to court and about the ordeal she faced as a result.

…..'I went to trial because I was wronged. But in the end it felt like I was in court to clear my name,' she said sadly. She cried again when she recalled the 'absolute horror' she felt after seeing photographs of herself posted on various Internet forums and the scathing remarks that accompanied them…..

…..Worst of all were the 'gawkers' at the trial, who were there because they were curious about what she looked like - what she wore and whether she was good-looking. 'Does any of that matter? Does it mean only beautiful women get preyed on?' she asked, tears brimming in her eyes…..

Poor gal, I feel so sorry for her. This is why a lot of women would rather keep quiet if such things happen to them. And she’s right. It doesn’t mean that ordinary looking woman don’t get preyed on. I’m ashamed of my previous remark.
Previous report: [20 Jan 04]

# posted by Shopaholic : 12:01 PM

I can be such a scatter-head at times.

This morning, I mistakenly turned off my alarm clock when the snooze alarm woke me and I overslept by half an hour as a result. I practically jumped out of bed when I opened my eyes and the sun was blinking brightly through my window.

Then, I decided not to wear contacts to give my very-dry eyes a much needed rest, but in my hurry, I forgot to bring my spectacles with me. (I removed it when applying makeup.) It was only while I’m nearing the train station that I realised the lack of clarity, which by then is too late for me to go back and retrieve it. So, I’m currently vision-impaired and squinting at my screen.

My mom did something which made me terribly upset. I’m so furious with her that I’m now undecided whether to give her a Chinese New Year Ang Bao (red packet, with money!). She threw away my favorite pillow which has been with me for YEARS! And this is after I specifically told her NOT TO. The last time she did it, I stopped talking to her for 2 weeks. Boohoohooooo , I miss my pillow. I can’t sleep well without it.

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:12 AM

Woah, my blog is enjoying unprecedented number of hits from my post on the Shankar case. To all those people who are now reading this because your searches lead you here, just what is so fascinating about this case that differentiates it from the others? I follow it because I happen to read about it in the news.

Apparently, there are also a lot who are interested in the picture of the lady in question, i.e. the victim. I did receive an email of the lady in a group photo, but because it is not verified, I'm not going to post the photo here. All I can comment is (and this not only came from me), if that's the lady he is suffering a jail term for, he really has problem with his taste. I know, I know, that's a terribly mean remark, but I put it the way I see it.
Previous report: [19 Jan 04]

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:22 AM

.....Ex-MediaCorp television presenter Vidya Shankar Aiyar decided not to appeal against his sentence and conviction on Monday. He goes to jail in two weeks' time after the judge granted him a fortnight to spend time with his family.....
[Prev report: 6 Jan 04]

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:32 PM

Both bosses on half-day leave in the afternoon today, so I spent a few hours spring-cleaning my workstation. This means putting back all the unused files, returning whatever does not belong to me, and ruthlessly throwing away unnecessary documents. Finally, I can see a bit of my tabletop, which has a slight layer of dust on it. Cleaned that up as well. haha.

I found 4 Bengawan Solo cakeshop first-month baby vouchers (exchangeable for cakes) when I was clearing out one of my drawers. Unfortunately, 2 are waaaaay overdue, one on 21 Oct 2003 and the other on 16 July 2003. I called up the shops and enquired whether I can still use the vouchers, but their policy is to extend for another month at most. Managed to get one of the ladies into agreeing to let me exchange the Oct voucher though. It isn't logical, these vouchers are already paid for, so why should they put an expiry date on the it?

Anyway, I went for Su's mother's funeral during lunchtime. She requested me to go for the service tonight so I'm leaving now, seeing that no one is around. It's still raining outside, shucks.

# posted by Shopaholic : 5:36 PM

Su's mom passed away this morning, just 4 days before Chinese New Year. She's been in grief over her mom's condition for the past half year. Sitting right opposite her at work, I know the pain she went through and the amount of tears she couldn't help shedding.

I met her mom at Su's wedding. I chatted with her on the phone when she called the office. A very amicable and friendly lady. I felt very sad seeing Su go through the stages; first hoping that the treatments will work, right till the end where her mom had to suffered so much pain that Su would rather she go in peace, yet not being able to endure the thought of her not being around.

It's all very sudden as the diagnosis was only last June. In a way, it made me realise that we really should show more appreciation for our loved ones, whom we sometimes take for granted.

# posted by Shopaholic : 7:58 PM

It has been a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Last night, I attended a JC (junior college) gals class gathering with Jael, Jac, LeeK, Yen and Lin. Dinner was at the glass house Fish & Co, which isn't exactly my favourite restaurant. They had some Friday entertainment where the birthday boys and gals in the place had to play some games and the final reward/ punishment is that they have to grab a stranger for a birthday kiss (on the cheeks) lasting 5 sec.

The average age in the restaurant was 15-23? Gosh, we felt so overage. And I had a shocking revelation during the dinner. Lin let out that since JC days, they were already spreading word that I liked Dave, that it was common knowledge. Damn! I thought no one knew at all, but apparently it was common secret which even Dave himself knew about. Double damn! It turns out the only person I ever told, Yi (who also had a crush on him at that time), told Lin and the word spread. Triple damn! I felt so embarrased and of course I vehemently denied it in front of them.

Yen arrived late, had a soup, and left early for a movie. The rest of us adjourned to Rouge, a new club which had its grand opening last week. Apparently, it's managed by Irene Ang, a local entertainer. Jac knows the club's music director, so we got in free and had drinks on the house. The decor is mainly red, and it had the usual plush sofas round the place, bar in the middle and a big dancefloor by the end. It was unusually quiet for a Friday night, maybe because there isn't that much publicity about the place yet. The crowds started coming in only around midnight. In fact, the open-air bar downstairs, Pre-Rouge was more bustling.

Jac gave me a lift home as she lives around my area. I believe I mentioned it in one of my previous posts, but she's a very capable lady and her courage has really paid off. A Taiwanese firm offered her a near $20K monthly salary (including target bonus) for her to go over to Taiwan and help them but she rejected it. She wanted to concentrate on the distributorship rights for a gym gear she managed to obtain while she was working in Taiwan. She's currently doing that, in between freelancing as a gym instructor, teaching in polytechnics and acting as a consultant for the above-said firm. According to her, the pay isn't as good as that offered, but it's for the long-term prospects.

Compared to her, I feel like I have accomplished nothing. She dropped out of Uni and is now successfully doing what she enjoys. I followed the path, got my degree, became a professional and is now stuck in a boring job earning a miserable income. Am I happy and satisfied? No. Do I have the guts to change it? Not at the moment. Mainly because I have no idea what else I can do.

# posted by Shopaholic : 7:23 PM

We trotted down to Chinatown during lunch (it's a 15 min walk away from our office) where Second Boss and Su bought 3 packets of Bee Cheng Hiang's barbeque meat. Mmm, barbeque meat, the best item on Chinese New Year's list. In close competition with the mini-gambling sessions, but it wins out. I love its fragrance and the lingering taste in your mouth.

Weather was sweltering, and we nearly ended up being barbequed ourselves while walking back. Popped into Starbucks for a nice, cold coffee and enjoyed the air-conditioning before heading back to the office.

# posted by Shopaholic : 2:15 PM

Bird flu threat 'worse than Sars'

.....Serious outbreaks of the avian flu, which normally affects poultry, have led to the culling of millions of chickens in Vietnam, Japan and South Korea......

.....'It is possible that the bird flu virus spreads from chickens to pigs before jumping on to humans,'.....

.....Symptoms of bird flu in humans include fever, coughing and eventual pneumonia, and - as with Sars - they are similar to many other common, but less lethal, ailments.....

First the mad cow disease, now the bird flu viruses in chickens and pigs. What's next? Maybe we should all turn vegetarians although I can't survive a day without meat.

With all these terrorists attacks and diseases like Sars, what is the world coming to? There didn't seem to be so much problems growing up, or maybe I wasn't paying attention before.

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:15 PM

Check out this brilliant entry, Correspondence, by Vanessa. I particularly like the first letter, from her cat.

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:01 PM

The Wedding Date Predictor

YOU ARE CLOSE to finding "the one!" We have carefully calculated your responses according to our scientific formula and harmonized the results to the Venutian lunar calendar. But don't get your hopes up to hear those wedding bells soon, because your bridesmaid days aren't over just yet.

YOU WILL BE MARRIED BY: Saturday, June 16, 2007

That's 3 1/2 more years? I'll be nearly 30. haha.

# posted by Shopaholic : 9:50 PM

It started off as a small, niggling pain at my temples around 5pm. I thought nothing of it. Over the one hour bumpy and crowded bus ride home, it escalated into a full-blown, mind-boggling, head-numbing pain. By the time I was nearing my housing estate, the pain is in turn causing nausea and I was ready to run to the nearest washroom and puke my guts out.

I called my Dad and got him to fetch me from the bus-stop asap.

Ah, the miracle pill that took 10 min to work its magic, creating a peaceful, calming and painless reaction. Panadol.

# posted by Shopaholic : 8:30 PM

A blog, Nefisa, linked to my mine today but I completely cannot understand his blog as it's in a foreign language. French I think? Looks interesting though from the pictures. Perhaps I should take up the language with Workaholic and Alcoholic. hehe. Someone help me out here, did I get her title correct?

# posted by Shopaholic : 12:03 AM

Inspired by this afternoon's talk, Su and I went to Tangs after work to check out the makeup recommended. I ended up buying 2 lipsticks - Mac "twig" (apparently one of their best-sellers which is sold out very often) and Prescriptives "Lavish" (saw their salesgirl wearing it and the colour looks really yummy), and the Estee Lauder MagnaScopic Voluminising mascara.

The Mac lipstick and a FCUK top (70% off, great bargain!) are part of Workaholic's birthday presents to me. Really big thanks to her (muaks! haha), she readily came and signed for them when I called her. Her workaholic tendencies are back, hehe, been doing OT very often till 8pm this 2 weeks.

I loaded pictures of 3 tops I bought recently here:
1. Above FCUK black printed top mentioned.
2. Phuture London maroon satin kimono top bought last Friday.
3. Esprit cream knitted top with shimmering beads on the neckline bought during one of my lunch shopping excursions (50% off).

I can't resist the word SALE, haha. Really must curb the shopaholic tendencies, which I was doing so well before Xmas, or I will end up in big shit (debts) again.

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:56 PM

I attended a lunchtime enrichment talk on makeup earlier and the instructor (a really hot Indian lady) gave us tips and recommendations on which are the better products to use. I summarized some of it:

Face, Foundation & Powder
1. Clarins moisturiser
2. Prescriptive custom blended foundation and powder.
3. Estee limited edition highlighter (powder)

Do not use 2 way cake or liquid foundation everyday. Put moisturiser (which combines sunblock), foundation (if using), concealer (if needed), powder and then blusher.

Blusher (absolute must!)
1. Shisedo Liquid waterbased blusher “PN”, in a bottle resembling nail polish. (great staying power)
2. Bobbi Brown “Rose” powder blusher

Lipstick
1. Professional liquid lipstick, for lustre (fantastic new brand in the market)
2. Mac Lacklustre “Sonnet” (for a more matt look)
3. Mac stick lipstick “Cherish”
4. Loreal lipliners (cheap and best in market, does not feather)

Use honey or Castor oil at night to keep lips soft and supple. Put clear gloss only on bottom lip to get pouty and “kissable” look.

Eyes
1. Eyebrow Powder – Estee, Mac, Kose, Shisedo (no black, shades of brown depending on hair colour)
2. Eye Liner – Bobbi Brown gel eye liner (in a transparent bottle) and brush OR Bobbi Brown or Mac eye pencil (draw from outside-in). Kohl eye liners for bottom part of eye. Can use a bit of white pencil on lower inner eyes to brighten up the eyes.
3. Undereye concealer – Estee
4. Mascara – Estee Magnascopic, Chanel (Use black to get great effects, more on the outside end lashes to get “cat” effect or more in the center to get overall bigger effect.)

You absolutely must trim your eyebrows, if not, no eye makeup will look good.

Lastly, go by the philosophy LESS IS MORE. ENHANCE, NOT CHANGE.

# posted by Shopaholic : 3:22 PM

I bought a pair of URS black pointy shoes during the Isetan sale 2 months back, the same one which Nic-aholic and Sleepaholic have. Today's only the second time I'm wearing it and I noticed that the tip of the shoes are already slightly torn.

Not sure whether it's because the shoes are lousy (and it's not cheap either!) or because I'm not used to this kind of shoes. I keep forgetting that the front is so protruding and is always hitting it against staircases etc when I walk.

Think I still prefer my strappy shoes, even though they don't look that professional.

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:46 AM

I sms Boss yesterday morning asking whether I could take leave. She didn't reply, so I thought it was better to be politically correct and went to work. The conversation that followed:

Boss: "What are you doing here? I thought you are taking leave?"
Me: "Oh, you didn't reply, so I assumed it wasn't approved."
Boss: "I was in a hurry to go to gym and my son was playing with my handphone. Do you need to go off then?"
Me: "It's ok, I'll take the leave another day."

In the afternoon:

Boss: "Next time, just drop me a message if you need to go on leave. I'll leave it up to you to decide how to manage your own time. As long as the work gets done, you can take leave when you need to. You don't need to wait for my approval."
Me: "I thought it wasn't too good to just go missing when you haven't given your approval. So, can I take leave tomorrow instead?"

That's how I end up sleeping in today. But it's a double-edged sword if you ask me. If I take leave without finishing my work (which is never-ending anyway), she will grouse about it. Or maybe I'm just too cynical. Giving her the benefit of the doubt, Boss is actually quite lax with us, especially on working hours.

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:14 AM

Two of my fave Korean/ Jap actors.......

Hearts were broken last month when Korean hunk Bae Yong Jun announced he had someone special. More ruptures followed last week - Japanese dreamboat Yutaka Takenouchi admitted to having a girlfriend.

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:03 AM

This entry has been forming in my mind for some time, but words just seem to fail me. Today, I'm bored enough at work to try.

Once in a while, I read some very mind-provoking entries of other bloggers, offering a look into their inner-most thoughts and feelings. It makes me wonder, what do I have to offer on my blog? Are other people actually interested in what happens in my daily life, what my friends and I get up to? In me bitching about my work and in what I buy? Perhaps not.

So why can't I share my emotions about things that touches or cuts me the deepest? It's not as if there isn't any. There is no conclusion to that question. I can only say that maybe my linguistic ability is inadequate at times. I can't accurately express such strong feelings so I would rather not belittle them. Also, I'm an intensely private person when it comes to certain things. It takes time for me to open up and let my guard down. To just pour everything out onto the web for any ole person to read is not my style.

Therefore, this shall remain a "bimbo" blog with occasional meaningful issues. (Although everything I write about do mean something, to me.)

# posted by Shopaholic : 2:08 PM

Designated time of the dinner was supposed to be 730pm. As usual, the whole crew turned up around 8pm, except for Sleepaholic who was earlier. Had it not been for Nic-aholic’s reminder, the 2 of us would probably have arrived on time and played the waiting game as well.

Michelangelo is located at the street opposite the main stretch of Holland V (which buzzes with activities), standing alongside other exclusive restaurants such as Da Paolo. An excellent place for a romantic dinner given its outdoors private settings lit by soft lights and candles.

Perhaps because it was Sunday night, there weren’t many patrons. It’s a puzzle then why they joined our table with another group of Japanese ladies, who were yakking away the whole night, one of whom had laughter vaguely resembling hyenas. Behind our table sat 2 guys whom we wondered about the whole night. Are they gays or are they not? If not, why would 2 guys come alone to such a romantic restaurant and enjoy a full course dinner? The conversation between them seems to trail off at times too. (Yes, we are a gossipy and kaypoh, i.e. busybody, bunch of people.)

Back to our own dinner. Appetizers: calamari and scallops. Main course: Shopaholic – lamb, Sleepaholic – duck, Nic-aholic – salmon pasta, Workaholic – tandoor chicken pasta, Alcoholic and Immortal – seafood pasta. Dessert: Tiramisu, cheesecake and brownie. We washed these down with 2 bottles of red wine, which inflated the bill 2 times. My rack of lamb was cooked just right, juicy and tender. Too bad the Casata we wanted for dessert wasn’t available.

To end off, Happy Birthday Nic-aholic!!! As I said in your card, the additional year means that you have grown wiser and is endowed with more womanly charms than before.

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:32 AM

I signed up for another 3 exams in May. 6 more papers to go, so I thought I will just do 3 each semester and get it over and done with. My only worry now is that I will posted overseas in May (for 2-4 weeks). If I have to take the exams there, without the one exam week leave I'm planning on taking, it will totally disrupt any mood I have for studying. Also, my eldest cousin (on my dad's side) is getting married in May too. This is the first wedding in our family in over 20 years, no way will I miss it.

# posted by Shopaholic : 3:56 AM

Second boss got into a chain accident on the expressway this morning and his is one of the middle cars. Luckily, no one's hurt but poor thing, the car's barely 2 months old. We thought this car brought him luck because he struck lottery twice when he bought it, but apparently there's no such thing as being lucky always.

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:34 AM

A lot of entries on Christianity and Catholicsm on my friends', Ginvie and Mydaemon, blogs this few days. Just for the record, I'm a free-thinker. I don't believe in Gods, I hold the view that religions exist because people need to believe that there is after-life and console themselves that life does not just......extinguish upon death. I am not disputing that perhaps Jesus Christ really did exist aons ago, neither am I against Allah or Buddha, but what made them the all-knowing and all-powerful GODS? Do spirits really exist? These are just my personal beliefs and questions that I hold and this entry is not denying religions. Neither is it meant to offend, so please don't be. (Oh yeah, don't start a debate on religion with me either.)

# posted by Shopaholic : 12:07 AM

I've replaced the shopaholic icon. Hopefully, the word does not look as shaky this time round.

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:51 PM

I just submitted nominations for the Fairvue fourth annual weblog awards

My driving license is expiring tomorrow, so I finally got into action and sneaked out from work to renew it this afternoon. I love driving! The minute I reached 18 (the required age), I signed up for driving lessons and took the test. It gives me a sense of freedom and makes me feel that I can go anywhere I want, whenever I want. It's also challenging weaving around the traffic. I don't consider myself a reckless driver, but I can be quite impatient at times.

I used to dream of buying my own car the first year I start working. But I very soon realize that that's an impossible mission in Singapore (unless you are blessed with wealthy parents) where you have to take into account sky-high COEs (Certificate of Entitlement), road tax, insurance, parking, ERPs (Electronic Road Pricing) and CBD (Central Business District) charges etc. I would be lucky if I can afford a car in the next five years. After calculation, I would need to at least double my pay to be comfortable buying one. So now, I can only content myself driving my dad's car at night and on weekends (which is subject to earlier booking than my bro).

# posted by Shopaholic : 9:06 PM

My new shoes. Ain't it pretty? I got the saleslady to adjust the holes of the strap for me slightly. True, it's still a bit small, but it isn't that noticeable.

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:33 PM

Oral sex law may be changed
SINGAPORE may abolish its law banning oral sex between men and women following a recent uproar over the jailing of a police officer for engaging in it with a teenage girl.

Senior Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs Ho Peng Kee.....said current social norms would be taken into account and added: 'One option being considered is to decriminalise consensual oral sex between a male and female so long as it is done in private and both of them are above 16 years of age.'
[Prev report: 9 Nov 03]

# posted by Shopaholic : 2:15 PM

Oh, last night I saw this piece of news on TV. They filmed a factory manufacturing soy sauce in China, which produces reportedly "special-tasting" soy sauce. And you know what's the secret recipe? They don't use soy beans as the basic ingrediants, they use HAIR, yes, human hair! How gross is that? Urgh!

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:17 PM

Opposition MP Steve Chia cleared of molest charges
Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Steve Chia has been cleared of allegations that he molested his Indonesian maid, police said on Tuesday following an investigation triggered by his own wife's complaint.
[Prev report: 22 Dec 03]

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:08 PM

I introduced Su to Gripz (the shoe shop) yesterday and she bought this cute creamy pink pointy-toes shoes with a brown ribbon in front. I fell in love with another pair of pink pointy-toes shoes as well. I have never seen anything like it. The design is a combination of different patterned fabrics, part of it with brown pokka dots and there's a buckle in front. It's unique and funky looking, yet looks formal enough for work. But it's the LAST PAIR and it's 2 sizes too small!!! They don't carry this design in their only other branch and they don't re-stock their goods! Dammit. It would have been perfect for Chinese New Year as well.

# posted by Shopaholic : 9:24 PM

Ex-TV presenter gets jail, 4 strokes for molest
FORMER TV presenter Vidya Shankar Aiyar was on Tuesday handed down a 16-month jail sentence and four strokes of the cane for molesting a 30-year-old colleague at a party in 2002.
[Prev report: 31 Dec 03]

Although I personally feel that he's at fault, I think that the sentence is rather harsh and this might be so because this is such a highly publicised case and it is used as as a tool to caution others in future.

# posted by Shopaholic : 5:01 PM

Something wrong with either blogger or singnet broadband today. All my friends using singnet broadband get redirected to the blogger mainpage when they try to view my blog. I have no such problem viewing it from my snail dialup. This is the one time it's actually better than broadband?

# posted by Shopaholic : 9:52 PM

Happy birthday to my Grandma! We just celebrated her 71st birthday with a home-cooked feast. My grandparents live just a few blocks away from me, together with 2 unmarried uncles and an auntie so it's real convenient popping by.

# posted by Shopaholic : 9:50 PM

I need some feedback. Is the Shopaholic icon I just put up on the sidebar nice? Or does it look better without? Or should it be placed somewhere else? Some honest comments please!

# posted by Shopaholic : 2:24 PM

Pictures from our Xmas cum Alcoholic birthday celebration dinner............

# posted by Shopaholic : 12:20 PM

I watched Mona Lisa Smile with Nic-aholic couple, Workaholic and Sleepaholic earlier. The movie is okay, not fantastic or memorable, just okay. As Workaholic put it, you get the feeling that Julia Robert's character and her relationship with her students is not fully developed.

Have a lunch appointment with my ex-colleagues tomorrow. It's supposed to be hi-tea, but somehow it became lunch again along the way. I used to be so closed with this group of colleagues but now, it's a chore meeting up with them. I feel like I'm under obligation to do it. Some reasons are because they love to meet up at unearthly hours (such as 12pm!?) on a weekend when my sleep is the most precious. They can't meet up for dinner because May has to get home to keep her husband and kids company (Why can't she do that during the day?). Also, we always end up at the same hotel, eating the same buffet (this is the third time???). When SY asked me to suggest some other place, she said she's feeling too heaty to have what I suggested. Then why the hell can't she come up with some place then? Also, every single time I meet them, SY always look at me in THAT way and say I should eat less and that I should try and lose some weight. Fine, I know that you are reek thin, but you don't have to rub it in every damn time we meet! If I mention that I am already actively exercising and that I have actually lost a few kilos, she puts a damper saying that I will look more muscular if I do weights. Hello? What's your point? Whatever.

# posted by Shopaholic : 1:33 AM

Final verdict for the bag, it doesn't look as expensive as it cost or rather, it's worth less than I paid for it and it's non-refundable. I picked up a real bargain at Zara tonight, a sexy low-back top with black sequined trimmings (which I don't know whether I have the guts to wear) so that should balance things out. Shopaholic reasoning? Maybe, but what the hell.

# posted by Shopaholic : 12:43 AM

The whole world seems to be on leave today. I couldn't find a lunch partner so I grabbed a quick bite just now and went shopping around the area.

A lot of new shops seems to have sprouted up along 2nd floor of Caltex House over the weekend, and they all stock such unique stuff, unlike the Orchard Road area.

I couldn't resist the temptation and bought this gorgeous baby-blue carryall with hand embroideries from a new shop, Cocoon. A bit pricey, but it's big enough for weekend shopping trips.

There's also a shoe shop, Gripz, which has the most delicious looking shoes in myriads of beautiful materials and colours, especially those Mary Jane and pointy toes shoes I'm sure Nic-aholic would love.

Another new shop sells fashionable looking maternity wear (the display was a tube top for pregnant women!) and children's clothes. Not applicable to me, but I think it's a must for all mothers-to-be who doesn't want to wear those normal frumpy clothes.

Oh, and Zara sale is on today. I am back in full swing! Haha, once you start, it's hard to stop.

# posted by Shopaholic : 1:25 PM

Both Second Boss and Su on leave today, so I have the whole space to myself (Big Boss in her own room). Ahhh, some peace and quiet.

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:01 AM

As a fresh start to the new year, I just spent 2 hours clearing out the old magazines in my room and months of old mails, which includes credit card bills.

I have this habit of matching every credit card bill with the credit slips I sign and making sure everything balances. (What to do? Professional habit.) I then file the bill away after it's paid. Lately, I have been neglecting this task and it has accumulated as a stack in my drawer since July 2003. I do pay up though. So, it's a relief having finally cleared everything.

I also found a letter in the stack from the Traffic Police Department informing me to renew my driving license which is expiring on 9 Jan 2004. Gosh, I have to hurry and take a nice photo, definitely not once of those instant photos because this is a photocard license which is going to last me for life.

I can't say the room is up to my mom's standard yet, but at least it's LESS cluttered now. haha.

# posted by Shopaholic : 9:22 PM

Happy New Year!!!!!

By an unexpected twist of events, my plans fell through and I didn't get to celebrate the New Year, but here's hoping for a better year ahead.

My New Year resolutions:
1) Save more money (Spend less money)
2) Work harder at my job
3) Treat people more tactfully

My wishes for the New Year:
1) Good health for myself, family, friends and Someone
2) Love
3) Pay increments and promotions
4) Meeting more people and making new friends (as well as keeping the old)

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:53 AM