Finally, it’s over…
Yup, I’m finally done with my exam. Despite the fact that I really studied like crazy… I still have a sinking feeling that I am going to fail this Level 2 paper.
O well. Just gotta suck it up and retake the god-damm paper next June.
Meanwhile, I’m just going to enjoy my new found freedom for the next 7 months… so many things to do!
1) Plan my wedding, gotta get things going again! Gotta re-size my engagement ring, find a pair of wedding bands, get a florist, settle the invitation cards, decide on my sisters and brothers’ outfit, get my mum a new dress … … … etc.
2) Read up more about my condition. There are some books on alternative treatment on scoliosis and I really wana check them out.
3) Re-design my future hubby’s room. Since the property market hasn’t really crashed yet, we will be camping with the in-laws till we can afford to buy our new place in say…. Novena or something. Ha.
Woohoo. Life without exam is great!
Eh.. George (since you’re like the only person reading my blog), wana meet up for dinner anytime soon??
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
I havent caught the movie yet but I'll definitely will do so after my exam. I still remember the days when I watched SATC dvds back-to-back-to-back-to-back during the cold, cold winters in New York. Those 4 girls were my best friends during that period of time... ... ... Geez, that was like 5 years ago already.
So, finally Carrie is getting married to Mr. Big. *rolled eyes* To be frank, I cant stand Big... he's just such an ass... a charming, disgustingly-rich ass though.
I've always thought that Carrie looks like a man. Seriously, just take a look at her face. Yah, she has great shoes, beautiful clothes but but but but she really looks like a man! Even in her wedding gown!
Dont get me wrong, I love Carrie and the other 3 girls, the fashion, the clothes and shoes. It's such a girly-girl show and all men should watch it to understand females a little better.
But Sarah Jessica Parker simply looks like a man.
Monday, June 02, 2008
I felt left out...
SunDown Marathon - 31 May 2008. Saw the pictures, read about the event and felt absolutely left-out.
There's just no way that I'll ever participate in one...
That's how human beings are, only when it is taken away from you, then you'll treasure it. How many of us have marvelled at the mere fact that the ability to run freely without pain, is one the best joys in the world?
I can't run but I can walk.
I'm going to start walking today.
SunDown Marathon - 31 May 2008. Saw the pictures, read about the event and felt absolutely left-out.
There's just no way that I'll ever participate in one...
That's how human beings are, only when it is taken away from you, then you'll treasure it. How many of us have marvelled at the mere fact that the ability to run freely without pain, is one the best joys in the world?
I can't run but I can walk.
I'm going to start walking today.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Check your Cod Liver Oil
How many of you take Cod Liver Oil as a supplement? If you do, please note the amount of Vit A and Vit D stated as per capsule or teaspoon.
I’ve been taking Cod Liver Oil for more than a year to improve on my immunity as well as, other health benefits such as better skin, hair (especially if you are prone to dry skin and hair), and also to lubricate the joints.
But to my horror, I just got to realize that MANY brands of cod liver oil that are easily available in supermarkets and pharmacies actually contain synthetic Vit A and Vit D and the proportion of Vit D is usually only 10% of Vit A, which means that:
[1] You can overdose on Vit A, especially since Vit A is fat soluble, ie: your body will retain the extra Vit A in your fat and overtime, can cause Vit A toxicity. It will take months for your body to flush out the vitamin A.
[2] Your body will react negatively to the chronic intake of Vitamin A.
And that was what happened to me. I’ve been getting rashes for the past 4 weeks and the doctors didn’t know exactly what was causing the rash and it didn’t help that I have eczema as well. So all I had was some anti-itch medication and calamine lotion, and to be fair, those did help.
Sick and tired of the itch (and the back pain!) and with a nagging feeling that it is most probably due to my diet, I did some research on the net and noticed that my symptoms were pretty close to overreaction of cod liver oil or specifically, vitamin A.
So, I stopped my daily intake of 6 capsules of cod liver oil and…
VIOLA. NO RASH for 2 days.
Might be a coincidence… so, I’ll continue to observe my body for the next few weeks to determine that my rash is actually caused by cod liver oil.
So, everyone out there… please take note of the supplements that you are taking, especially Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oil. Some brands actually contain synthetic vitamins and that can be harmful to your body instead!
How many of you take Cod Liver Oil as a supplement? If you do, please note the amount of Vit A and Vit D stated as per capsule or teaspoon.
I’ve been taking Cod Liver Oil for more than a year to improve on my immunity as well as, other health benefits such as better skin, hair (especially if you are prone to dry skin and hair), and also to lubricate the joints.
But to my horror, I just got to realize that MANY brands of cod liver oil that are easily available in supermarkets and pharmacies actually contain synthetic Vit A and Vit D and the proportion of Vit D is usually only 10% of Vit A, which means that:
[1] You can overdose on Vit A, especially since Vit A is fat soluble, ie: your body will retain the extra Vit A in your fat and overtime, can cause Vit A toxicity. It will take months for your body to flush out the vitamin A.
[2] Your body will react negatively to the chronic intake of Vitamin A.
And that was what happened to me. I’ve been getting rashes for the past 4 weeks and the doctors didn’t know exactly what was causing the rash and it didn’t help that I have eczema as well. So all I had was some anti-itch medication and calamine lotion, and to be fair, those did help.
Sick and tired of the itch (and the back pain!) and with a nagging feeling that it is most probably due to my diet, I did some research on the net and noticed that my symptoms were pretty close to overreaction of cod liver oil or specifically, vitamin A.
So, I stopped my daily intake of 6 capsules of cod liver oil and…
VIOLA. NO RASH for 2 days.
Might be a coincidence… so, I’ll continue to observe my body for the next few weeks to determine that my rash is actually caused by cod liver oil.
So, everyone out there… please take note of the supplements that you are taking, especially Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oil. Some brands actually contain synthetic vitamins and that can be harmful to your body instead!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Feeling very unsexy
Due to the backpain, I’ve been literally REDUCE to wearing flats to work and to everywhere else.
Ugh.
So unglam and unsexy.
Seriously, I cannot imagine how anyone can wear these ugly flats. Even though some of the flats are cute, little ballet pumps BUT they are cute, ie: ugly but adorable.
Wait. Slippers dont count ok. I mean, girls wearing flat shoes to work, or say for a dinner function or say for a date, or say ... ...
Due to the backpain, I’ve been literally REDUCE to wearing flats to work and to everywhere else.
Ugh.
So unglam and unsexy.
Seriously, I cannot imagine how anyone can wear these ugly flats. Even though some of the flats are cute, little ballet pumps BUT they are cute, ie: ugly but adorable.
Wait. Slippers dont count ok. I mean, girls wearing flat shoes to work, or say for a dinner function or say for a date, or say ... ...
I miss my heels. Heels can make a girl feel powerful, sexy and of course, TALL. Not forgetting the perkier butt, perception of longer legs and overall, a slimmer and more elegent silhouette.
And with the added height, there’s added confidence and thus, one will feel powerful, sexy and the virtuous cycle goes on… … It doesn't have to be like 3.5 or 4 inch heels, even just a 2.5 inch slim heels can make a lot of difference and also kinder on your feet as well.
O well, health comes first. Just gotta be ugly, unsexy and unglam for the few months or so.
O well, health comes first. Just gotta be ugly, unsexy and unglam for the few months or so.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Some happy things
Ok, gotta blog some happy things, or else my life will just revolves around backpain, exam, backpain, therapy and more backpain.
Depressing.
So, gotta cheer myself up by looking at some pretty things and plan a little bit for my up and coming wedding.
So, about 2 weeks back, one of my bridesmaids emailed me pictures of a dress that she thought would be a good bridesmaid dress. Very sweet of her, usually many bridesmaids will just wait for the bride to decide on the style and stuff, but heh, my bridesmaids are very “on”.
Just the past weekend, another bridesmaid sms-ed me a message, asking how was my preparation for the wedding and whether do I need any help.
Very touched lah, girls. Thanks for all the concern!
Everything is more or less settled, and I’ve kinda decided on what I’ll like my bridesmaid to wear for the luncheon and solemnization.
Ok, gotta blog some happy things, or else my life will just revolves around backpain, exam, backpain, therapy and more backpain.
Depressing.
So, gotta cheer myself up by looking at some pretty things and plan a little bit for my up and coming wedding.
So, about 2 weeks back, one of my bridesmaids emailed me pictures of a dress that she thought would be a good bridesmaid dress. Very sweet of her, usually many bridesmaids will just wait for the bride to decide on the style and stuff, but heh, my bridesmaids are very “on”.
Just the past weekend, another bridesmaid sms-ed me a message, asking how was my preparation for the wedding and whether do I need any help.
Very touched lah, girls. Thanks for all the concern!
Everything is more or less settled, and I’ve kinda decided on what I’ll like my bridesmaid to wear for the luncheon and solemnization.
As shown above, I'll like my bridesmaids to wear a two piece attire instead of a dress.
Of course the skirt will be green; I’m thinking of getting a green printed fabric and get the girls to design each of their skirt. It can be A-line, Pencil, Bubble, Pencil with a high slit by the side, flowy… … etc. Basically, I’ll like each bridesmaid to wear something slightly different and also to present each of their own style.
As for the top, no hard and fast rule, will request the girls to wear something white or pearly or cream. Once again, the style can be a Tube (as like in the picture above), or a Off-shoulder, or a Strappy or a Cutie-cap sleeve. As long as the top will match with the skirt and with the sash around the high waist. I’m happy.
Hmmm, o yah. SHOES. All grils will have to wear white or cream strappy heels. Shouldn’t be too much of a problem right?
OK, gotta start looking for the fabric once the exam is over!
Of course the skirt will be green; I’m thinking of getting a green printed fabric and get the girls to design each of their skirt. It can be A-line, Pencil, Bubble, Pencil with a high slit by the side, flowy… … etc. Basically, I’ll like each bridesmaid to wear something slightly different and also to present each of their own style.
As for the top, no hard and fast rule, will request the girls to wear something white or pearly or cream. Once again, the style can be a Tube (as like in the picture above), or a Off-shoulder, or a Strappy or a Cutie-cap sleeve. As long as the top will match with the skirt and with the sash around the high waist. I’m happy.
Hmmm, o yah. SHOES. All grils will have to wear white or cream strappy heels. Shouldn’t be too much of a problem right?
OK, gotta start looking for the fabric once the exam is over!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Ok, decided to make some changes to my blog. It’s about time anyway…
Past few days haven’t been all that good. My back muscles have been hurting again… although it’s more of a kind of dull ache. Also been going for my therapy sessions rather regularly, in addition to the stretching that I’ve been doing at home.
So, apparently, my condition is rather serious. So much so that the orthopedic surgeon suggested that I should go for surgery. It’s not something urgent but if I ever want a straighter spine, my only way out is to go under the knife. Well, according to him anyway.
To me, surgery should be the last resort, if I can stabilize my curvature through exercise, therapy and yoga, isn’t that a better solution than to stick a metal piece into my spine and I could never, ever bend that section of my spine again?
So, I’m going to give myself 2 years… where I’ll totally devote my time to healing myself through stretching exercises, low impact sports like swimming, walking and biking, as well as regular therapy if required.
If all those don’t work, then go for surgery loh. At least by then my back muscles will be in a better shape, more supple and flexible. That will allow the surgeon to pull my spine straighter anyway.
Haiz. Life is kinda depressing quite now.
Past few days haven’t been all that good. My back muscles have been hurting again… although it’s more of a kind of dull ache. Also been going for my therapy sessions rather regularly, in addition to the stretching that I’ve been doing at home.
So, apparently, my condition is rather serious. So much so that the orthopedic surgeon suggested that I should go for surgery. It’s not something urgent but if I ever want a straighter spine, my only way out is to go under the knife. Well, according to him anyway.
To me, surgery should be the last resort, if I can stabilize my curvature through exercise, therapy and yoga, isn’t that a better solution than to stick a metal piece into my spine and I could never, ever bend that section of my spine again?
So, I’m going to give myself 2 years… where I’ll totally devote my time to healing myself through stretching exercises, low impact sports like swimming, walking and biking, as well as regular therapy if required.
If all those don’t work, then go for surgery loh. At least by then my back muscles will be in a better shape, more supple and flexible. That will allow the surgeon to pull my spine straighter anyway.
Haiz. Life is kinda depressing quite now.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
I miss running…
I miss putting on my sport shoes, head off early in the morning to run when most of the people are still asleep.
I miss sweating it out and hearing me breathe.
I even miss the pain of stitch although I used to curse and swear whenever I encounter stitch pain whenever I’m running.
I miss the fresh, crisp air of MacRitchie.
I miss seeing fellow runners, struggling and always pushing themselves to run faster.
I miss the feeling achievement and accomplishment whenever I finished a long run.
I’ll give anything to run again.
I miss putting on my sport shoes, head off early in the morning to run when most of the people are still asleep.
I miss sweating it out and hearing me breathe.
I even miss the pain of stitch although I used to curse and swear whenever I encounter stitch pain whenever I’m running.
I miss the fresh, crisp air of MacRitchie.
I miss seeing fellow runners, struggling and always pushing themselves to run faster.
I miss the feeling achievement and accomplishment whenever I finished a long run.
I’ll give anything to run again.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Last few days were really bad, especially in the mornings as the back muscles are usually dead stiff in the morning and practically EVERY SINGLE MOVEMENT hurts.
Collected my x-ray results yesterday and they weren’t pretty. Sigh. My curvature had indeed worsened and it will continue to do so. Couldn’t help but to feel sorry for myself and the “why me?” syndrome started all over again…
O well, gotta get my act together.
At least it’s not health threatening (YET!) and I’ve decided to seek treatment from a Chiropractor called, Mr. Kevin Lau who specializes in scoliosis correction. The treatment is going to cost me a bomb but what to do? Health = priceless. I gotta give it a try right? What do I have to lose except X amount of money that is equivalent of a 2-3 weeks of holiday in Europe. But if the treatment is indeed effective, I walk away with a healthier spine that I get to keep for the rest of my life!
I’ll only get to see an orthopedic surgeon next week and can finally get to listen to a specialist’s opinion. Although I already have an idea what he’s most probably going to say…
Doctors and surgeons will usually say that scoliosis has no cure except surgery, so to them, chiropractors are just like the “ang moh” version of Tui-Na. ie: ineffective.
However, I am not keen to go under the knife at all and in fact, in my current situation, it is not necessary at all… but in 10 to 20 yrs time, if I just let my back deteriorate, I’ll start looking like the Hunchback of Notre Dame in my 40s or so and in that situation, I will most probably have no choice but to go through surgery to feel and look better.
However, Mr. Kevin Lau indicated that with intensive therapies and corrective exercises, one can actually improves one’s scoliosis curvature or, at the very least stop it from worsening.
So, I guess I’ll have to devote a big part of my life (at least for the next 6 mths) to combat against the worsening of the curvature and it’s going to part of me for the very rest of my life.
Thankfully after 1 session with my sinseh in the morning and the chiropractor in the afternoon, I am feeling MUCH better already. No more insane pain and for once in many days, I can kinda walk normally without pain.
Although I will not be able to run for the next 1 to 2 years….(most probably, but wana confirm with the orthopedic surgeon next week). But I can still participate in non-impact sports like swimming and cycling. And if my back muscles become supple and strong in time to come, I can still run, but of course, not a marathon… but a 10 km perhaps? So, I can still do a triathlon!
Yeah! *cheer up already*
So once my back doesn’t hurt anymore. Gotta go for therapy at least 3 to 4 times a week for the next 3-6 months. Intends to swim at least twice a week, do stretching everyday and stationary cycling twice a week.
At times like these, being healthy and pain-free are the greatest gifts in life. I must always remember that and works towards that. I hope all my friends will do likewise.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Pain management
Labour Day weekend didn’t work out well for me…
I took the Friday off to stay at home to study for my up-and-coming CFA Level 2 exam on 8 June, and somehow with a combination of bad posture, bad chair (chair with a soft cushion seat is bad for backs!) and bad luck, I ended up with a HORRIBLE backache on Saturday and for the rest of the week, I bet… …
Sigh.
I actually woke up at 7 am on Saturday, wanted to do a 7 km run and while I was putting on my sports gear, I noticed something funky was going on with my back. And before I could proceed out of the front door, the dull ache became increasing painful and while I was about to step into the lift, I had a really sharp pain shooting from my lower back, all the way to the INSIDE of my hip, I knew something was wrong.
I couldn’t believe it. How could I suffer from such a backache just from sitting on a bad chair?!!?
The pain was just getting worse and worse, until I really had difficulties walking and decided to pay Sinseh a visit AGAIN.
This is the 2nd time that I am suffering from a lower back pain w/n 6 months. The last backache was from a yoga session in Dec07, and luckily I managed to recover in about 2 weeks and that wasn’t as painful as this current episode.
Actually, I do have a confession to make; I suffer from a condition called Scoliosis, which basically means that I have a curve spine. So, one side of my hip is higher, while one side of my shoulder is lower. I got this condition ever since I was a teenager and have more or less come to terms with it. It wasn’t serious enough to go for surgery and so far, it hasn’t really given me any problem except a bad episode of a minor slipped disc in 2003 (but I fully recovered from that) and occasions of minor aches now and then.
But as I increase on my intensity of running and training, it seems to me that really BAD backaches seem to be recurring. And I am really uncomfortable with that.
Sigh. I’m going to see a doctor later to get a referral to see a specialist in Orthopedic. Cant help being a bit depressed right now, as I am really looking forward to doing a full marathon at the end of the year. I wouldn’t be surprise if the doctor were to tell me that I should quit running and try lower impact sports like swimming.
So, to all those people with beautiful, straight and healthy spines, please appreciate and take good care of your backs. You have no idea how much I wish that I can have a straight spine.
Labour Day weekend didn’t work out well for me…
I took the Friday off to stay at home to study for my up-and-coming CFA Level 2 exam on 8 June, and somehow with a combination of bad posture, bad chair (chair with a soft cushion seat is bad for backs!) and bad luck, I ended up with a HORRIBLE backache on Saturday and for the rest of the week, I bet… …
Sigh.
I actually woke up at 7 am on Saturday, wanted to do a 7 km run and while I was putting on my sports gear, I noticed something funky was going on with my back. And before I could proceed out of the front door, the dull ache became increasing painful and while I was about to step into the lift, I had a really sharp pain shooting from my lower back, all the way to the INSIDE of my hip, I knew something was wrong.
I couldn’t believe it. How could I suffer from such a backache just from sitting on a bad chair?!!?
The pain was just getting worse and worse, until I really had difficulties walking and decided to pay Sinseh a visit AGAIN.
This is the 2nd time that I am suffering from a lower back pain w/n 6 months. The last backache was from a yoga session in Dec07, and luckily I managed to recover in about 2 weeks and that wasn’t as painful as this current episode.
Actually, I do have a confession to make; I suffer from a condition called Scoliosis, which basically means that I have a curve spine. So, one side of my hip is higher, while one side of my shoulder is lower. I got this condition ever since I was a teenager and have more or less come to terms with it. It wasn’t serious enough to go for surgery and so far, it hasn’t really given me any problem except a bad episode of a minor slipped disc in 2003 (but I fully recovered from that) and occasions of minor aches now and then.
But as I increase on my intensity of running and training, it seems to me that really BAD backaches seem to be recurring. And I am really uncomfortable with that.
Sigh. I’m going to see a doctor later to get a referral to see a specialist in Orthopedic. Cant help being a bit depressed right now, as I am really looking forward to doing a full marathon at the end of the year. I wouldn’t be surprise if the doctor were to tell me that I should quit running and try lower impact sports like swimming.
So, to all those people with beautiful, straight and healthy spines, please appreciate and take good care of your backs. You have no idea how much I wish that I can have a straight spine.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Ok, gotta talk about something else other than the wedding. Even I am sick of myself talking about the wedding. Ha.
Due to my exam in June, I’ve been slacking in my running schedule. The original plan is to run on both Saturdays and Sundays, where I’ll do a short run of about 5 km (under 30 mins if possible) and a longer one of about 8-10 km. During the weekdays, my target is to gym 3 times per week where I’ll do spinning class on Mondays, run 5 km on Weds and another 3 km on Fridays.
So far, I’ve only been 25% successful. During the weekends, either I woke up late, or bad weather, or headache/flu or just lazy. As for the weekdays, sometimes I just feel too tired/lazy/hungry to hit the gym during lunch hour.
Hnmf. Not good.
On a separate note, I’ve recently signed up for the SAFRA Bay Run 2008, which will take place in August. Yup, that’s the one where I’ll run the Sheares Bridge for the very 1st time! Yeah, my virgin Sheares Bridge run.
Will also use that to determine whether I will be in good shape to run a full marathon in Dec this year. Looking at my training schedule… cant help feeling a bit intimidated.
My target is to run 21 km in 2hr 20 mins, and hopefully to do a full marathon in 4 hrs 40 mins.
Geez, really gotta buck up! I don’t wana die as a marathon virgin!
Due to my exam in June, I’ve been slacking in my running schedule. The original plan is to run on both Saturdays and Sundays, where I’ll do a short run of about 5 km (under 30 mins if possible) and a longer one of about 8-10 km. During the weekdays, my target is to gym 3 times per week where I’ll do spinning class on Mondays, run 5 km on Weds and another 3 km on Fridays.
So far, I’ve only been 25% successful. During the weekends, either I woke up late, or bad weather, or headache/flu or just lazy. As for the weekdays, sometimes I just feel too tired/lazy/hungry to hit the gym during lunch hour.
Hnmf. Not good.
On a separate note, I’ve recently signed up for the SAFRA Bay Run 2008, which will take place in August. Yup, that’s the one where I’ll run the Sheares Bridge for the very 1st time! Yeah, my virgin Sheares Bridge run.
Will also use that to determine whether I will be in good shape to run a full marathon in Dec this year. Looking at my training schedule… cant help feeling a bit intimidated.
My target is to run 21 km in 2hr 20 mins, and hopefully to do a full marathon in 4 hrs 40 mins.
Geez, really gotta buck up! I don’t wana die as a marathon virgin!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Ok, I am turning into a green monster. More pictures of The Majestic Restaurant. I simply love the decor... In fact, I am having so much fun coming up with ideas to decorate the place. But then again, the whole place is already very well done-up. So, I cant go OTT... Hmmm, need to settle on a florist soon!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Pink David... Heh, I like. He even has tiny pink flowers "tattooed" all over his body.
Too bad that I cant catch his feet in the picture as well. For those who are interested, Pinkie is currently staying at the National Museum and he will be here till Dec08. I bet he'll definitely appreciates if you pop by to say "Hi"!
I don't know about you, but personally I think he's much hotter than his white cousin posing in Florence.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
I want to create similar "feel" for my luncheon as the pictures above. The freshness of the green will pair with the purity of white... I've yet been to a wedding which has a very strong theme. In fact, it seems to me that only Ang-mohs are particular about wedding themes...
Since we're going to have a "Green and Cream" theme for our luncheon, we're looking around for inspirations. Some ideas that we have come out with:
[1] Drinks served during reception and wedding: Sprite with limes and mint leaves, with a green stirrer. Nothing else! (Sorry, no coke, no orange Fanta, no beer, but we'll serve white wine! Haha)
[2] White and green flowers with green fruits as table decors
[3] Green apples to be given away as wedding favours.
[4] Call up everyone to wear green and white!
[5] Green and white icing on my cup cakes
Oh... the decor of the restaurant is green as well, and that is the MAIN reason why we chose Green as the main color theme. It's much easier to work with the colors of the venue than to work against it. *common sense*
The walls of the restaurant has a rich yet fresh "green silk" feel, which I really like. It has 2 beautiful, classic chandeliers and yet still deliver a chic and modern feel to the whole place.
OK, gotta upload some pictures of the restaurant!
Since we're going to have a "Green and Cream" theme for our luncheon, we're looking around for inspirations. Some ideas that we have come out with:
[1] Drinks served during reception and wedding: Sprite with limes and mint leaves, with a green stirrer. Nothing else! (Sorry, no coke, no orange Fanta, no beer, but we'll serve white wine! Haha)
[2] White and green flowers with green fruits as table decors
[3] Green apples to be given away as wedding favours.
[4] Call up everyone to wear green and white!
[5] Green and white icing on my cup cakes
Oh... the decor of the restaurant is green as well, and that is the MAIN reason why we chose Green as the main color theme. It's much easier to work with the colors of the venue than to work against it. *common sense*
The walls of the restaurant has a rich yet fresh "green silk" feel, which I really like. It has 2 beautiful, classic chandeliers and yet still deliver a chic and modern feel to the whole place.
OK, gotta upload some pictures of the restaurant!
Monday, April 07, 2008
Internal Struggle
Beloved and I were tabulating our wedding cost and horror of all horrors… the amount that we’re going to spend is WAY WAY WAY past my “ideal” budget.
Haiz, to wed in style comes at a HUGE price.
Firstly, our photographer.
In my opinion, he’s a really, really very good photographer but an extremely expensive one. Let me put it this way, he only needs to cover 3 full-day weddings (he can actually do that in a week) and he can earn 5-digit compensation already. He is really costing an arm and a leg, and I am still trying very hard to internalize his cost. On one hand, I love his pictures to death; somehow every picture seems to tell a poem (not only a story ok, but a poem), then on the other hand, I know I shouldn’t spend money like that.
The devil is saying “but this is once in a life time and the magical moments are priceless” but the angel is saying “Marriage is a lifetime but wedding day is just ONE day. Keep the money for more important things in time to come”.
Secondly, our wine-pairing dinner.
This is something that we really want to do as we are such foodies/alcoholics that we also want our friends to enjoy the specially created menu; and matching wines that Beloved took a lot of effort and time (and $$$) to buy. Each course is to match with a bottle of wine, and since we have about 6 – 7 courses, (still haggling with the chefs), this means that we are going to serve 6-7 types of wines at least. O yah, we’re also going to have a champagne reception.
Each wine that is meant to be paired has been through weeks of thought-process and weeks of tasting to finally decide upon that it will go well with the course served. We have not actually tasted the wines with the food yet, but we will be going for our food tasting this weekend and we’re still trying to figure out how to drink 6 – 7 bottles between the two of us without killing ourselves.
Then the décor of the luncheon AND dinner.
Stupid rite? Usual couples only need to deal with one wedding venue but we, itchy backside, wana do TWO venues instead. There are so many additional costs that we have to grapple with and I am left to wonder why the hell are we doing this to ourselves?
Just because we want our wedding to be special and we want our guests to enjoy themselves.
The parents and relatives are more traditional, so a Chinese restaurant with Chinese food will be something that they can relate to. Then we have the bunch of foodies, alcoholics and the free-spirited who will definitely appreciate the dinner at night.
Think I have to forgo shopping for at least 2 years in order to recoup.
I cant help feeling silly right now… …
Beloved and I were tabulating our wedding cost and horror of all horrors… the amount that we’re going to spend is WAY WAY WAY past my “ideal” budget.
Haiz, to wed in style comes at a HUGE price.
Firstly, our photographer.
In my opinion, he’s a really, really very good photographer but an extremely expensive one. Let me put it this way, he only needs to cover 3 full-day weddings (he can actually do that in a week) and he can earn 5-digit compensation already. He is really costing an arm and a leg, and I am still trying very hard to internalize his cost. On one hand, I love his pictures to death; somehow every picture seems to tell a poem (not only a story ok, but a poem), then on the other hand, I know I shouldn’t spend money like that.
The devil is saying “but this is once in a life time and the magical moments are priceless” but the angel is saying “Marriage is a lifetime but wedding day is just ONE day. Keep the money for more important things in time to come”.
Secondly, our wine-pairing dinner.
This is something that we really want to do as we are such foodies/alcoholics that we also want our friends to enjoy the specially created menu; and matching wines that Beloved took a lot of effort and time (and $$$) to buy. Each course is to match with a bottle of wine, and since we have about 6 – 7 courses, (still haggling with the chefs), this means that we are going to serve 6-7 types of wines at least. O yah, we’re also going to have a champagne reception.
Each wine that is meant to be paired has been through weeks of thought-process and weeks of tasting to finally decide upon that it will go well with the course served. We have not actually tasted the wines with the food yet, but we will be going for our food tasting this weekend and we’re still trying to figure out how to drink 6 – 7 bottles between the two of us without killing ourselves.
Then the décor of the luncheon AND dinner.
Stupid rite? Usual couples only need to deal with one wedding venue but we, itchy backside, wana do TWO venues instead. There are so many additional costs that we have to grapple with and I am left to wonder why the hell are we doing this to ourselves?
Just because we want our wedding to be special and we want our guests to enjoy themselves.
The parents and relatives are more traditional, so a Chinese restaurant with Chinese food will be something that they can relate to. Then we have the bunch of foodies, alcoholics and the free-spirited who will definitely appreciate the dinner at night.
Think I have to forgo shopping for at least 2 years in order to recoup.
I cant help feeling silly right now… …
Monday, March 31, 2008
Just a little update
OK, been kinda busy with the preparation of the wedding, but it has been more or less done. Yay!
Many people told us that we’re really efficient to have settled our wedding plans, venues, bridal studio, photographer… etc within like 2 months after proposal.
Hmmm… yah, I think we are pretty “chop-chop” too. Haha.
So, we have decided to hold our solemnization and luncheon at The Majestic Restaurant at this really chic and charming boutique hotel, The New Majestic Hotel in Chinatown. We’ll going to only invite about 90 pax and it will consist more of relatives and more of my friends.
Later in the night, we will then have an even smaller and cozier dinner at Novus, their private dinning room at The National Museum of Singapore, where we’ll have a wine pairing dinner with only 60 guests. NO parents, NO relatives. Just good food, good wines and great friends. More of Beloved’s bunch of alcoholic friends…
*beam*
Looking really forward to that. I just wana eat and drink and be merry with my friends. No dry ice during March-in, or change of 2nd gown or anything like that. Food and Wine is the focus here!
On a separate note, Beloved and I went to Valentino’s for dinner on Sunday. Wow… the food was really absolutely fantastic! This place is tucked in a little corner in Bukit Timah, very rustic but.. woah, very crowded for a Sunday night.
We were seated at about 830 pm and people were still streaming in for the 2nd or 3rd seating all the way till about 9 plus!
Highly recommended and reservation is strictly recommended. Make that at least 2 days in advance!
OK, been kinda busy with the preparation of the wedding, but it has been more or less done. Yay!
Many people told us that we’re really efficient to have settled our wedding plans, venues, bridal studio, photographer… etc within like 2 months after proposal.
Hmmm… yah, I think we are pretty “chop-chop” too. Haha.
So, we have decided to hold our solemnization and luncheon at The Majestic Restaurant at this really chic and charming boutique hotel, The New Majestic Hotel in Chinatown. We’ll going to only invite about 90 pax and it will consist more of relatives and more of my friends.
Later in the night, we will then have an even smaller and cozier dinner at Novus, their private dinning room at The National Museum of Singapore, where we’ll have a wine pairing dinner with only 60 guests. NO parents, NO relatives. Just good food, good wines and great friends. More of Beloved’s bunch of alcoholic friends…
*beam*
Looking really forward to that. I just wana eat and drink and be merry with my friends. No dry ice during March-in, or change of 2nd gown or anything like that. Food and Wine is the focus here!
On a separate note, Beloved and I went to Valentino’s for dinner on Sunday. Wow… the food was really absolutely fantastic! This place is tucked in a little corner in Bukit Timah, very rustic but.. woah, very crowded for a Sunday night.
We were seated at about 830 pm and people were still streaming in for the 2nd or 3rd seating all the way till about 9 plus!
Highly recommended and reservation is strictly recommended. Make that at least 2 days in advance!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Thursday, March 06, 2008
How the hell did he escape?
OK, this is stale news but I am utterly disgusted with the way the police and our government handled the issue.
It has been nearly a WEEK since Singapore's most-wanted alleged terrorist, Mas Selamat bin Kastari escaped from the detention centre and he’s still somewhere out there, most probably clapping his hand in glee.
Geez… how could the most alleged top terrorist be guarded so sloppily? Firstly, why was the detention centre situated so close to town? Orchard road is just minutes away by car! There are easily 3 schools around the area! If he’s such a dangerous man, he should have been kept far, far away … like Pulau Tekong or say, Lim Chu Kang?
Up to now, the public still did not know how the hell he managed to get away. What was meant by “physical breach”? You mean the authorities forgot to fence up the area? You mean no policeman or a guard went to the toilet with Singapore’s MOST alleged terrorist? I thought even primary 6 students get accompanied by teachers to the toilets during a PSLE exam!
And I must say that our local papers and media have been very accommodating in “helping” the authorities with the news flow to the public… No journalist questioned who should be responsible for this incident?!
Must we wait until there is a bomb attack, people die and Singapore’s economy crashed before we can start “pointing the finger”?
This is a serious breach of our country’s security and yet, we have not heard a single word from our Prime Minister. Seems that winning the Youth Olympics is a more important issue.
Terrorists are a real threat to the world and Singapore is not immune to it. This incident clearly taught us that.
OK, this is stale news but I am utterly disgusted with the way the police and our government handled the issue.
It has been nearly a WEEK since Singapore's most-wanted alleged terrorist, Mas Selamat bin Kastari escaped from the detention centre and he’s still somewhere out there, most probably clapping his hand in glee.
Geez… how could the most alleged top terrorist be guarded so sloppily? Firstly, why was the detention centre situated so close to town? Orchard road is just minutes away by car! There are easily 3 schools around the area! If he’s such a dangerous man, he should have been kept far, far away … like Pulau Tekong or say, Lim Chu Kang?
Up to now, the public still did not know how the hell he managed to get away. What was meant by “physical breach”? You mean the authorities forgot to fence up the area? You mean no policeman or a guard went to the toilet with Singapore’s MOST alleged terrorist? I thought even primary 6 students get accompanied by teachers to the toilets during a PSLE exam!
And I must say that our local papers and media have been very accommodating in “helping” the authorities with the news flow to the public… No journalist questioned who should be responsible for this incident?!
Must we wait until there is a bomb attack, people die and Singapore’s economy crashed before we can start “pointing the finger”?
This is a serious breach of our country’s security and yet, we have not heard a single word from our Prime Minister. Seems that winning the Youth Olympics is a more important issue.
Terrorists are a real threat to the world and Singapore is not immune to it. This incident clearly taught us that.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Nothing much been happening except studying for the %$#@^ exam in June and hunting for suitable venues / bridal studios / photographers for the wedding…
Very proud to say that we have at least nailed down our Actual Day Photographer!
His name is Wansheng and personally, I really do love his photos. I’ve always been envious of people who can indulge in their passions AND talents to make a living. People like musicians, artists, dancers, entrepreneurs… …
Ok lah, cannot complain to much. My job isn’t too bad and I do like what I am doing too. ;P
For those who are interested, do check out his website:
http://www.feldberyl.com/
Still trying to secure venues for our solemnization and dinner. We checked out a few really fun places like Relish, New Majestic Restaurant, MingJiang @ Rochester, 1 Rochester Park, Chomp Chomp hawker center (hahahaha)…
I’ll really like to have Relish for my solemnization as the idea of treating my guests to yummy burgers with fries and kick-ass, Belgium beers appeal to me very very very much! Hrm… don’t think my mum or relatives will be so keen on the idea though… … Plus that the “minimum spend” to book the whole place is rather expensive. ;(
Ahh. Still got bridal studios. Hmmmm… been looking around and saw 3 that I like. Getting kinda tired of looking around actually.
I am a lazy bride-to-be.
Very proud to say that we have at least nailed down our Actual Day Photographer!
His name is Wansheng and personally, I really do love his photos. I’ve always been envious of people who can indulge in their passions AND talents to make a living. People like musicians, artists, dancers, entrepreneurs… …
Ok lah, cannot complain to much. My job isn’t too bad and I do like what I am doing too. ;P
For those who are interested, do check out his website:
http://www.feldberyl.com/
Still trying to secure venues for our solemnization and dinner. We checked out a few really fun places like Relish, New Majestic Restaurant, MingJiang @ Rochester, 1 Rochester Park, Chomp Chomp hawker center (hahahaha)…
I’ll really like to have Relish for my solemnization as the idea of treating my guests to yummy burgers with fries and kick-ass, Belgium beers appeal to me very very very much! Hrm… don’t think my mum or relatives will be so keen on the idea though… … Plus that the “minimum spend” to book the whole place is rather expensive. ;(
Ahh. Still got bridal studios. Hmmmm… been looking around and saw 3 that I like. Getting kinda tired of looking around actually.
I am a lazy bride-to-be.
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