It's been long...

It's been so long since I last wrote on my blog. Just that now I feel like saying so much stuff and blasting on the FB wall doesn't seem like a good idea. I have just watched 2 episodes of Secret Garden and realized that it would truly be wonderful if what happened in the drama could become reality. Not that I'm greedy or what but when I saw how the main guy cared so much for the main gal, how I wish that there is someone in the world who would care for me. Someone who would occasionally ask me how my foot was. Someone who would think of me every now and then. Someone who wouldn't raise his voice at me. He doesn't have to be the CEO of a department store - just that he has the loving and caring heart is sufficient. I know that I shouldn't compare but many a times I wonder about this relationship that I am in and I do wonder whether I should continue with it. At times I don't feel the love and it makes me wonder whether this love has become habitual instead. Perhaps I need to expose myself to more people, getting to widen my social circle. It's not true love if there's no trust and hesitation. I'm not greedy - I just want someone to love and care for me.

Beauty is only skin deep...

I wasn't exactly someone who is interested in plastic surgery but that didn't deterred me from wanting to attend this seminar with some maxillofacial surgeons to find out more about this phenomenom that is becoming more common nowadays.

I got to learn more about how we can age gracefully with the help of aesthetic treatments. Photos were shown on slides to better illustrate the wonders of such treatments, showing the vast differences between one who uses such treatments and one who doesn't. Women especially can easily seek such treatments nowadays; they can even do it during their lunchtimes and go back to work as per normal. It has almost become a part of their daily lives, processes to change their natural looks.

We were given the exclusive chance to visit the Sloane clinic and understand how things work. There was even a first time patient who was already sitting there ready to be the 'guinea pig' for the show. Dr Low demonstrated to us how she injected collagen to specific parts on the face to lift up and give life to it. An assistant was using a pack (of peas?) to cool the injected areas. Halfway through the demonstration, I felt extremely nauseous and actually felt like fainting! With the help of my boyfriend, I left the room and was accompanied to the washroom by a helper. It seemed that it is common for some people to feel this way but they can still seek such treatments. How? They have to be "put to sleep" first!

It was truly an eye-opening session, especially for those who have always wanted to know what happened behind closed doors in such clinics. Those who are too young or who may be allergic to some of the chemicals should not try aesthetics treatments. As for me, I'll definitely stay away from needles and try to age gracefully by myself.

It's Coraline, not Caroline!

It was an exciting treat to be able to catch this new animation on 3D…for free! (thanks to omy). Based on the synopsis, this movie seemed to be very enchanting (I usually watch action flicks and romantic comedies) so I was really anticipating for 20th Oct preview of Coraline.

I feel that this show has an interesting way of telling people that “the grass may not be greener on the other side”. Like any other child, Coraline was trying very hard to adapt to her new home and demanded extra attention from her parents who were not giving her any. While in the midst of finding out more about her new home, she discovered a tiny door and that’s when her life was about to take on an adventurous twist.

The tiny door led Coraline into a magical world where everything seemed too perfect, like her mother was finally cooking dinner and her father was paying attention to her instead of his computer. Here comes the BUT part: Every living creature in this world had buttons for their eyes instead. Initially, Caroline was unfazed by it and anticipated nighttime to come everyday so that she could visit this wonderful side of her life. However, sometimes things might be too good to be true and she only realized it when her other mother showed her the pair of customizable buttons that would replace her eyes if she wanted to stay in this world for the rest of her life.

At this point of time, people will usually finally learn their lessons and learn how to fight back. Even though she was just a child, she was really brave enough to return to the nightmarish world where she had just escaped from, knowing very well that she might be walking into a trap. Together with a cat which Coraline initially despised in the normal world and a new eccentric friend, she had to use her wits and quick thinking strategies to battle against the monster in order to save the other children and her real parents.

It was a really interesting experience to watch the show through this way (even though the 3D glasses were not really comfortable to wear for a long duration). At times, things seemed to be flying straight at me right out of the movie screen; everything seemed so surreal. They thoroughly enhanced the process of watching the effects and I was quickly absorbed into the pace of the show. Overall, it was a truly memorable experience and I totally enjoyed it :)

A trip down memory lane...

In the past, museums were where I usually went for school excursions.
Places with lots of exhibits and not much action.
Walking through various halls with no increased interest.
Instead of asking more questions at the end, I would head to the school bus first.

Ten years down the road and everything has changed.
The National Museum of Singapore has become more exciting and almost nothing remains the same.
93 Stamford Road is where it is located.
From the outside, it looks so serene, so sophisticated.


The majestic white exterior seems to promise an inviting grand tour.
Whenever I walk pass, something about it allures me, I’m very sure.
So giving in to temptation and curiosity, I decided to pay it a visit.
And was greeted by an array of displays I would not want to miss.

Like a pendulum, beautiful lights swung in a rhythmical motion above me,
As a form of warm welcome while I walked towards the living gallery.
I smiled as I saw a couple taking wedding photographs,
In a gorgeous building rich in history, the loving duo just laughs.

Clothes from different eras looked pretty in the glass cases.
Standing in front of them, I was tempted to mimic different faces.
I was amazed by the different materials used for the different costumes
Pretty outfits for different races which people wore beside jewellery and perfume.


It was interesting to see things from the past.
A wonder that the admission ticket or gramophone can still last.
Watching an old film sure made the visit nice,
As I appreciate the technology of the modern world but also envy the simplicity of the past life.


After this trip to the museum, I have become more knowledgeable and wise.
Seeing so many interesting things has sure opened my eyes.
The National Museum of Singapore is a valuable learning place,
Where I can learn the different aspects of “now and then” at my own pace.

My food haven – Block 85 Fengshan Food Centre

Quiet in the day, active at night,
Being crowded on weekends is always a common sight.
Even though it is non-air conditioned,
And cockroaches run around occasionally like nobody’s business,
People from all walks of life always gather here,
To chat over a drink or just have a meal.


Smoke, chatters and laughter fill the air.
It can be hard to get a seat, with practically none to spare.
Most prefer to sit outside in the open,
While others sit inside, hoping to get their food faster, which is seldom.
Waiting for half an hour for my food is common,
Especially for those popular stalls, long queues are pretty normal.


Hot BBQ chicken wings always keep me company,
While I wait hungrily for the delicious minced pork mee.
A seafood lover, I’ll definitely not miss the award-winning stingray.
Not forgetting the mouth-watering satay,
Plus that simply irresistible fried oyster omelette.
To end off, an ice kachang with brown sugar if it’s not too late.


A cup of sugarcane juice is needed at times to quench my thirst.
Ordering so much food yet my wallet still doesn’t burst.
Memories often fail the stall helpers as they look around helplessly,
Forgetting customers’ table numbers and wondering around with the food aimlessly.
And when the poor uncle or auntie makes the usual round of selling tissue,
Helping them by buying a few packets is never an issue.


This popular makan place holds a special place in my heart.
This is where I grew up, where every little thing played a part.
Where I learnt to eat spicy food and supper was a must every night.
Policemen could be seen frequently, no, it isn’t because of any fight.
The Bedok Police Headquarter is located just next to it.
With wonderful smell of the food floating pass them, who can resist?


Those were the days when I would hang out with my neighbors till wee hours.
Bonding and making new friends, all was sweet and not at all sour.
Picking up a cooking tip or two from the hokkien mee uncle,
Or simply helping the cleaning auntie wiped a table till it sparkled.
A place where sweet memories of my childhood could be relieved.
Where delicious food and friendly people can coexist, I truly believe.


Even though I’ve moved house to Pasir Ris,
An occasional meal at Block 85 Fengshan Food Centre is not to be missed.
It’s a food paradise for everyone, from tourists to families.
Time flies pass quickly as I chat and eat happily.
Having a wonderful time under the beautiful night sky,
This is where I feel right at home; this is always a part of my life.

Warning: Spooky story ahead...written by me!

No turning back

His footsteps sounded like thunder on such a quiet, cool night. Beads of sweat rolled down profusely and he wiped them away clumsily, cursing under his breath as he nearly tripped over a step. At that moment, the horrible image flashed in front of him and he felt that he was back at that scene once again, arriving just in time to see her jump out of their kitchen window and then lie in a pool of blood at the bottom of the flat. Her beautiful long hair, usually tied behind neatly in a ponytail, looked so messy and dirty strewn across her motionless body.

He could not move at all, as if his feet were suddenly made of rock. It was like witnessing a horrible incident unfolded slowly in front of him and all he could do was to watch helplessly. After a while, someone called out his name and tapped him on the shoulder. This made him snap out of his trance and he ran in the opposite direction instead, away from the horrible scene, away from his dead fiancée.

He remained motionless on the path, staring at the stupid rock which he had tripped over while he was recalling the incident and that had brought him back to reality. He did not feel any pain; instead, all the feelings he had for her flooded him suddenly and he started to sob like a child who had lost his favorite toy. He was too overwhelmed with sorrow to notice a presence approaching slowly from behind until he smelt something familiar. All of a sudden, he realized that his surroundings were eerily quiet with no living soul around except himself. Knowing that there was no escape for him, he slowly turned around to face her.

Surprisingly, she looked beautiful, just the way it was when he first saw her at a friend’s party. She was smiling at him, gesturing for him to come towards her like what she always did whenever she had planned a bedroom surprise for him. Mesmerized by her beautiful smile and the sweet scent she was wearing, which was his favorite, he stood up and started to walk towards her when he saw that she was actually floating in mid-air. He immediately moved back in fear, realizing that she was now a ghost and tried to increase the distance between them as she started to advance towards him.

Her pleading eyes made him weaker every passing moment and it did not helped that she called out his name using that sweet voice which he fell in love with. He could not take it anymore and kneeled down in front of her. She was shocked by the sudden action and stopped in her tracks. “Let me go. I know I’ve done you wrong. Please forgive me.” he pleaded in a soft voice, not daring to look into the eyes of the woman whom he had betrayed for a short fling with her best friend.

She started to cry and he realized how foolish he was to give up such a beautiful relationship for some lust which did not last even for a week. He felt so ashamed of himself when the news had reached her even before he could beg for her forgiveness and prevent this mishap from happening. Now, he had lost his only true love because of a stupid mistake and he would have to live in regret for the rest of his life, provided that she could spare him.

“It’s not only me whom you betray; there’s our child too.” It was only when he heard her whisper this then he lifted his head and looked at her in shock as she sadly stroked her flat belly. “I was going to tell you but then...” she paused. Suddenly, her eyes narrowed and her face was contorted with so much hatred that he started to shiver and wet his pants. “You! You cheated on me and caused my death. Our child died because of you! You shall perish with us!” she spat and advanced towards him. He tried to stand up and run away but his legs had become wobbly so all he could do was to watch and scream in fear as she moved nearer and nearer towards him…

Since that night, nobody had ever seen him again and some rumored that he was the cause of his fiancée’s death and had run away with his newfound lover. Others thought that he felt guilty and thus, went into hiding. However, nobody knew the real reason, like how nobody could explain the reason why they could hear a baby’s cries and a man weeping sorrowfully in the couple’s empty flat every night.

What does the Singapore Spirit mean to you?

This tiny little island is bursting with human activities. Developments and projects are proceeding underway to make Singapore a more happening and exciting place to visit. With the recent opening of the Singapore Flyer plus the upcoming F1 Formula Night Race and Integrated Resorts, it’s no wonder that this place is becoming more popular with tourists.

However, if the economy of the country is unstable and the people are not living in harmony with one another, even with such hot and coming attractions, tourists will not flock over here that often (or maybe even not visit us) as I myself will not visit a country which is experiencing riots or unrest. We are lucky that Singapore is a stable and harmonious multi-racial country where it’s safe to walk on the streets late at night. Racial harmony is strong within all races as we laugh and hang out with our neighbours at the nearby kopitiam.

Standing together in unity in times of trouble, keeping a lookout for one another when a wanted man is on the loose, helping those in need generously, even though they may be complete strangers as reflected in the recent cases of generous donations to those disaster-hit countries or as early as the murder case of the China girl, Huang Na. Cheering together as a nation during our annual National Day Celebration or when we were announced as the host city for the Youth Olympics. As a nation, we are binded together with the true Singapore Spirit – United we stand, in times of trouble, despair and happiness. Nothing can bring us down!