Sale Sale SALE everywhere! The Great Singapore Sale has dawned upon us again. Adrenalin rush initially but I was a bit put out by the crowd yesterday. It would be perfect if I can have a free weekday afternoon to go shopping without so much people queuing for the fitting rooms.

# posted by Shopaholic : 4:16 PM

Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban is showing in Singapore next week! I am so looking forward to that, hehe. First day's tickets has already been sold out at Cathay Cineleisure.

Also, Sophie Kinsella has released the 5th instalment of the Shopaholic series of books. I just saw it at Borders. Can't wait to read that either. I will try and get a copy from the library, although I'm not sure whether they have such a new book yet.

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:32 PM

Published in The New Paper today is an article about an US Senator's ex-aide, Jessica Cutler aka Washingtonienne who was fired for detailing her sexual encounters in venues in official Washington on her sex blog.

Therein lies the dilemma of a blogger. How much should we reveal about who we really are in real life? How much is too much? What constitutes sufficient reason for a company to fire you should they discover your blog?

I've always chosen to err on the side of caution.

# posted by Shopaholic : 9:42 PM

Finally, a wedding in the family. For this, I can sacrifice a bit of sleep on my off day and crawl out of bed at 6:30am.

3rd uncle calls at 8:00am and asked us to hurry up and get there as the wedding car has left the house.

I'm wearing jeans and my FCUK spaghetti-strapped top rather than the skirt intended. Comfort wins.

The wedding couple arrived at my uncle's house at 10:00am. Finally. I'm kinda bored by the lack of action. Apparently, my cousin and his male helpers were up throughout the night playing mahjong. Guys will be guys. Ladies need our beauty sleep.

We have to hide in the karaoke room when they enter the house. Some sort of custom, I was told, to prevent clashes. In what, I'm not sure.

Wedding couple gets some rest before the tea ceremony. They knelt down and offers tea to the elders one by one as a sign of respect. Ang Bao (red packet) given to them by the elders as a blessing.

Gee, my parents are so happy to be drinking the tea. Can just imagine their joy if it's my brother or me. NOT happening anytime soon. Gosh, I am being bombarded left, right and centre by the relatives with questions as to when it's my turn. Pissed me off, and super stressed.

After the buffet lunch, the wedding couple heads back to the bride's family home for more tea ceremony there.

On our side, we are adjourning home to rest and glam ourselves up for the night.

After half an hour's nap, I went to get my hair done: curls like a princess.

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:55 PM

It's my eldest cousin (on my dad's side) wedding tomorrow. The first wedding in the family in over 20 years. Naturally, tension is running high. My grandma is so anxious she's snapping everybody's head off for the smallest things.

I'm on leave tomorrow to help out and to join in the festivities. Just finished putting a facial mask and doing my nails. Now waiting for it to dry. (I just spoilt one while typing!!! Argh!!!)

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:57 PM

New gym pants from Guess on sale at half price. Last piece! It's dark brown with pink striped waistband. I particularly adore the sparkling pink Guess logo on the top left side. More incentive to actually go to gym!

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:38 AM

The more I watch Sex & the City, the more I think that Carrie and Mr Big's relationship mirrors my relationship with Someone. Or is it so common and men are the same everywhere?

Season 2 Episode 12, La Douleur Exquise, talks about him relocating to Paris to work for a few months.

He's packing for a week-long business trip to Paris.....

She: "There's a coming event that we're invited to."
Him: "I might not be able to attend as I might not even be here in summer."
She: "Why?"
Him: "Oh, I might be moving to Paris for a few months, maybe 7 to a year, for work."
She: "When were you planning on telling me?!"
Him: "Nothing's definite yet, it depends on the outcome of this trip."

I had the exact same conversation with Someone when he told me about going to NY to work. What is so difficult about discussing something with me BEFORE plans are finalised rather than INFORMING me after?

Later, when he's in bed in Paris and she calls him at 5am.....

She (after a few cocktails): "Why didn't you tell me about this earlier or even discussed it with me?"
Him: "It's 5am, can we discuss this later?"
She: "With you, there's never later. You are always doing this, going here. There's never time!"
Him: "Look, it's 5am and I have a meeting later. I need to sleep."

Again, another familiar scenario. A woman needs to talk and all the man cares about is his sleep. Is his f***ing sleep more important than our emotional needs?

He's back from Paris.....

She, after berating herself for being selfish and standing in the way of his work, which is of course important: "It's ok, you go to Paris. We can do this. We can always travel back and fro to see each other. If it's really bad, I can always move to Paris for a few months and write my column from there."
Him: "If you move to Paris, I hope it's for yourself and not for me."
She: "Why would I move to Paris if not for you?"
Him: "Look, I'm just saying I don't want you to uproot your life and expecting anything."
She: "I'm such an idiot! I've done so much and you don't even CARE if I'm in your life."
Him: "I want to be in a relationship where if I HAVE TO go to Paris, I HAVE TO go to Paris."
She: "What happens to us?"
Him: "This isn't about US. It's about WORK!"
She: "I can't do this anymore..... You said you love me."
Him: "I do."

I'm not sure whether whether it's the different priorities between men and women or it's just their selfish nature wanting to have the best of both worlds.

Another line from Carrie: I was the real sadist. He might be the one with the whip but I'm the one who chose to tie myself to a man who refused to be tied down.

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:08 AM

The medicine I took last night made me so drowsy I fell asleep while watching AI3. Thank god for video recorders.

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:26 AM

My throat is itchy, my nose is running and I'm sneezing non-stop.

I think I'm falling sick.

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:27 PM

My all-time favourite sitcom, Friends, is back on Channel 5. I have a feeling this is going to be a great season, the first episode just made me laugh out loud 4 times ! Unfortunately, this is also the final season .

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:42 PM

In view of my recent obsession with Sex and the City.....

Sex and the City: The Four Women, the Four Elements
Your results are based on the four Elements of Astrology: Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Each Element has its own set of characteristics, and each of us displays some combination thereof, usually with a focus on one or two. Samantha, Miranda, Carrie and Charlotte each personify one of the Elements and its basic traits. Which Elements most strongly influence you?

You scored 40% Miranda
You chose many of the same answers that Earth Sign-like Miranda, the cynical but pragmatic lawyer, might have chosen. Just like Miranda's had a tough time deciding whether to give in to the affections of Steve the Bartender, you don't give your heart up to just anyone. Miranda shies away from a relationship with Steve because he's 'just' a bartender, not something more conventionally ambitious or stable. Those with powerful Earth Sign qualities -- characteristics associated with Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn -- are cautious in love and seek stability and status over nearly anything else. Earth Signs provide a steady, realistic attitude and they can bring order out of chaos. A little-known Earth Sign fact: Incredibly sensual, you seethe beneath that smart, expensive business suit of yours, yearning for intimacy but hesitant to give up your material needs, your career ambitions or your responsibilities for a passionate moment that might not turn out the way you'd hope.

You scored 40% Carrie
Your answers peg you as a Carrie-type, much influenced by the Air Sign qualities associated with Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Like confident Carrie, a sex columnist, you're curious and perceptive, always seeking answers and never satisfied with the superficial. An Air Sign influence can lead to indecision and an avoidance of tough issues, like with Carrie and her on-again, off-again attachment to Mr. Big. Forward-thinking, incredibly intelligent and witty, you just exude quirky charm. You'd be utterly bored by someone who's just a pretty face or hot body -- though you don't mind looking and flirting! You're more turned on by an equally smart and funny mate, someone who challenges your mind and makes you laugh. You love to talk, so you need a good listener who's open to playful and eccentric ideas about love and lovemaking.

You scored 10% Charlotte
A romantic at heart, you chose the answers that demure Charlotte may have chosen. Strongly influenced by the intuitive, profound and sometimes naïve Water Signs -- Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces -- you're like a mother, a mystery and a poet all in one. Though on the surface you may seem innocent and all about seeking the good in people, beneath the surface, you hide secret yearnings for intimacy, for attachment and ideal love. You're seeking a knight in shining armor, a soul mate, someone who will complete you and tether you to the earth when you get carried away with your fantasies. You're super-sensitive, soaking up the moods of others; you emote freely, crying at commercials and sappy movies. You also provide a shoulder to cry on and open arms for hugs. Be careful that you're not so wide-eyed and trusting that you get taken in by some cunning wolf in sheep's clothing.

You scored 10% Samantha
You identify with Samantha's bold and liberated Fire Sign qualities, characteristics associated with the Signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. You're strong, audacious and larger than life -- and you take what you want! Sometimes you can even be thoughtless and selfish, as you get so caught up in craving immediate gratification and excitement that you overlook someone's feelings. Your personal style likely reflects your desires: sleek, low-cut, revealing just a bit more than might be considered acceptable. Watch that you're not coming on too strong, though. You could scare potential suitors off with all your drama. If you seek so much attention, the more basic qualities of the Fire Signs could be burned right out of the picture. Show less skin or cleavage and more of your creativity, your vibrant leadership skills and courageous generosity!

For the record, I'm Aquarius.

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:27 AM

4:15pm
Strolling to the bus-stop in my new suede shoes, pangs of regret pricked me. Should I have chosen the other?

Blood was shed, followed by excruciating pain at the chaffed wound.

12:45am
A couple sitting on a bench at the park beside the long canal, enjoying the cool, night breeze and a romantic moment.

Along came a pink-clad young woman, bare-footed and picking her way gingerly across the dirty cement floor, holding a pair of shoes in her hand.

# posted by Shopaholic : 1:37 AM

2 wedding invitation bombs thrown at me, in 2 days. This is the first of my classmates/ friends to get hitched.

Me? I'm not even getting a whiff of it.

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:07 PM

Of all the suay things to happen when I'm late and rushing for my exam:

Bukit Panjang LRT service delayed after several power trips: A series of power trips disrupted the Bukit Panjang LRT three times on Wednesday. SMRT said the first and longest delay happened just before noon, lasting nearly 40 minutes.....

Yes, and I went to catch the train just at noon.

The worst thing is, they keep repeating over the sound system that the train has been delayed due to a train fault and that services will resume in 5 min. After hearing that for 15 min, I made a rational decision and caught a cab to my office building (where the exam was held).

I have a feeling I might have flunked the exam today. It's the topic I hated most in Uni, brought back all the baaaaaad memories.

Gosh, watching AI3 now and Jasmine sounds terrible.

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:00 PM

Time out from the studying. 2 hours to go and I'm only 2/3 through the past year exam paper. Sigh.

Something's been bugging me when I check the referrers to my blog. I can't figure out how this blog, beautifuk, has been directing hits to my blog when I can't seem to find a link from her blog to mine!

# posted by Shopaholic : 9:32 AM

Since there are so many objections to Workaholic's looks, I've redrawn her face. Hopefully, now it looks more like the gorgeous lady she is. (Plus, the textbook was boring the hell out of me.)

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:36 PM

New header! Hehe, I'm still new at this so the faces look a bit weird. This is (in order) Sleepaholic, me and Workaholic in Phuket.

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:55 PM

I absolutely hate and detest studying for exams. It's fine if I'm reading to learn and for my own knowledge. But not exams. 1/3 through for tomorrow's paper.

# posted by Shopaholic : 12:08 AM

The %^&$* Linksys wireless adapter was giving me problems (it kept restarting my computer because of driver incompatibility) after my brother shut down his computer and affected the router. I just spent about 4 hours figuring out how to solve the problem. Time which should have been sent on studying for the exam tomorrow! What's more, the family is going out for dinner later because it's Mother's Day. Looks like I won't be having an early night today. Thank god it's an afternoon paper which means that I can "mug" through the night if need be.

# posted by Shopaholic : 5:20 PM

The SMRT came up with a new tactic to "encourage" people to give up their seats to the more needy such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. Since the signs pasted near the doors don't seem to be having much effects (people gradually take them as transparent), SMRT have taken to playing their brand of "advertisement" from the broadcasting system.

The first one I heard is something along these lines:
Man 1 - "I need it, I played mahjong till late last night."
Man 2 - "I need it, I didn't have enough sleep and have to work later."
Woman 1 - "I need it more, my journey is long."
A voiceover, asking people to give up seats to the needy.

Another one:
Child - "Papa, can I keep the sweet wrapping?"
Father - "No, you can't."
Child - "Papa, can I keep the burger box?"
Father - "No, you can't."
Child - "Then can I throw them away?"
Father - "No you can't, you should not litter the MRT train."

I have to admit, sometimes I dither over giving up my seat, hoping that someone else would stand up first. Occasionally, you just want a comfortable nap for that 40 min on the train. But I also go tsk tsk over people who don't.

However, some of all these pregnant women are also too much. They cut queues before getting on the train, as if it's their right just because they're pregnant. Also, when you give up the seat to them, they don't even have the courtesy of giving a smile or say thank you. They take you as invisible and plomped down.

Of course, I'm not generalising. These are some "ugly" people I came across. There are always the polite and grateful ones out there.

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:29 PM

I finally broke down and went shopping today during lunch.

From Veil, second floor Change Alley:
I initially bought a pink tube top with a black sequinned butterfly motif on top. However, Su said it isn't that flattering when I tried it on and show her. So, I went back and exchanged it for a little black dress I was eyeing for some time but didn't buy because there isn't much occasions I can wear it for. The inner layer is lace and the outer layer is a chiffon-like material. A black bow is tied just below the bust area. The lace and chiffon gives the feeling of "can see, cannot see", and Cris, the colleague I went, with said that made it subtly sexy. The photos I took of it don't do it justice.

From Gripz, second floor Change Alley:
Cutey shoes for the weekend. Dark brown suede with a pink strip across. I think it will go well with a denim skirt!

# posted by Shopaholic : 11:01 PM

I'm hooked on the sitcom, Sex and the City recently. It's not aired in Singapore due to too much sexual content so I'm trying to get my hands on as many episodes as I can, starting from the first 2 seasons.

# posted by Shopaholic : 9:58 PM

I had a really sucky day at work.

My brother went for day surgery for his eyes today. Somehow, don't ask me how and neither can the doctors explain it in one so young, he has catarat in one of his eyes. It cannot be cured by medication, only surgery. My mom is also having a minor surgery tomorrow, for a problem which was detected during her health screening last week. They are going to different hospitals, bro going to Mt Elizabeth Hospital and mom going to Alexandra Hospital. Since my dad has to send my mom to AH in the morning, they requested me to take leave to send my bro for his follow-up at Mt E. Seeing that I had taken leave for next week to study and for exams, I was really dreading asking for another day. I decided on a barter, give up 1 day next week in exchange for tomorrow. That was fine with Boss.

Su gave me some advice on how to protect my reputation in front of the bosses but the more we discussed, the worse I feel. My motto has always been to be up-front and honest about what I do. I don't backstab people and I expect the same from others. However, that's not the way it works in the corporate world. It's appearances that count. As long as you stay later than Boss, you are hardworking. Doesn't matter if you are surfing the soccer sites and placing bets. Just as long as you appear to be deep in thought when Boss comes out of her room.

Boss is another kind. She likes to appear to be the "good guy". Even if she's not happy, she will pretend to be all fine with it and then get somebody else to do her dirty work for her. So, you can never know if what she says is what she means. Bullshit about "open communication"! Why, she even admitted herself in a conversation the other day. It doesn't matter if you are not so sure you are right, as long as you insist to the other party you are and argue your way through. Btw, she's always bad-mouthing our Big Boss from Malaysia in front of us.

It makes me feel terrible that even I am thinking along their lines of thought. I had wanted to get a haircut after work today because my hairends are in really bad condition and I haven't had a haircut for half a year. However, because I'm taking leave tomorrow, I decided against the haircut. In case they gossip about me taking time to beautify myself when I was supposedly looking after my bro.

Sometimes, it seems like a perfectly ok place to continue working in. Occasionally, I feel like having the satisfaction of throwing in my resignation letter, not that I would be so irrational. Or maybe because I'm always mildy depressive when it's a red-letter day.

# posted by Shopaholic : 9:50 PM

My company IT department is suddenly becoming very tight in their controls and very "on" in generating violation reports. Su was slapped with 2 today but luckily, hers is for a legitimate purpose of keying in the wrong password. It has made me more cautious in surfing the net at work and of course, it's affecting the frequency of my blog entries which has to be saved for after-work hours.

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:29 PM

So, I went for an interview at another company (let's call it Sens) today. It went quite well, the interviewer is the person I would be directly reporting to and she seems quite young and approachable. We were both quite candid about our expectations during the interview. If they can offer me the pay I asked for, it would mean a big jump in my monthly disposable income and a decrease in the bonus. I would also gain supervisory experience as I would have 2 subordinates supporting me. One thing niggling at me is the size of a company. It's a local firm, nowhere near as prestigious as the US MNC I'm currently working for. Ok, I like to have "face". Superficial, but their office is cramped and NOT nice. Oh well, we'll see whether I get called for second interview.

My eldest cousin on my dad's side is thowing his wedding dinner on in 2 weeks time and I get to "test dishes" at the restaurant tomorrow night too .

Arrrrrrrrrrrgh, exams next week. 3 of them, none of which I have started studying for!!!

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:20 PM

Hehe, the lack of updates is becaused I've been obsessed with doing something else on the net.

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:06 AM

I have been sending out job applications, both for what I'm trained for and for totally unrelated things which I'm interested in. In the past, I used to choose only companies located at Raffles Place Area which are of a certain magnitude but I'm not so discriminating this time round. Shows how sian (sick) I am of my job, doesn't it?

Well, there's an interview on Monday, tentatively. They didn't state their company name on the ad when I applied and when they called, it wasn't quite what I expected.

I'm still musing over that dream job.

# posted by Shopaholic : 10:04 AM