Friday with N

I called N today! I'm really happy I did though I thought I sounded awkward.

Hi N, it's Grace here.
Is it a convenient time to talk?
..
Would you be available next Friday?
I'm thinking of catching up.
..

I texted him saying I'm sorry it sounded awkward. He was nice enough to say it was charming enough.

-phew-

Looking forward to next Friday!

Shiming turns 26!

Hello Shiming!

I know you read my blog now that you think I'm got blog diarrhoea. HENCE! I'm going to wish you a happy advance birthday! You're an awesome friend and I love you for being such a great person. Shiming, Priscilla and Grace make up the HAPPY 'THREE' FRIENDS!

I'm waiting for your pictures!

-hugs-

P.S. I think I have constipation from eating too much yesterday. :(

I hope you feel better now

Hey girl,

You might be reading this in a bit and I just want to tell you that no matter what, you'll always have me wanting to be there for you. I'm sorry you feel lonely after I left, but rest assured over the last 10 months, you've become like a little sister to me.

Sometimes it just helps having someone to be there. The problem may not be solved but it's my privilege to be able to share it.

I love you very much. Have a great day at work ok?

-hugs-

P.S. I hope your eyes are not small today.

Asia and the West

This is for the nicest and most genuine ang moh I know:

As a true blue Singaporean who demonstrates most aspects of an average income earning individual, I've noticed a few traits or rather, oxymorons in cultures.

Just about a month ago, I went to Sentosa for KM8's closing party. For those unfamiliar with Singapore, KM8 is a tranquil beach bar, where my boyfriend and I choose to hang out because it's cleaner and more ideal for a chillax time than the other bars in Sentosa.

I had a horrid experience. While waiting for a cab amongst the mob at the car park, my boyfriend and I were bullied by some Westerners who were desperate for taxis. While we waited patiently for a group of passengers to pay their cab fare, a drunk Westerner blatantly entered from the other door and demanded that the cab driver drive off. We were baffled! After that, this Western girl came up to our spot declaring that she won't let go of the next cab although we were the rightful next-in-line.

I remember reading articles of how Westerners ridicule the Singaporeans whose national pastime is queueing. In situations like this, I'm glad we have such a culture. I know for sure, I would be dignified in a foreign country in a situation like this.

My observation is that they seem to be an impatient lot. Fuelled with alcohol, they become very loud and they hit on the Asian girls in a none too respectful ways.

Pardon me but is it true that Westerners, men, women alike, all seem to feel more superior than Asians and hence become unbecoming and agressive?

In addition, a few expat friends I knew were caught in a fight, complete with weapons and stitches after. I found out that one of them possibly hit on a gangster's girl. The Asian culture is more reserved and we tend not be too loud. At times, we're criticised for supressing overselves.

Would a Westerner behave differently back in his home?

Does he feel superior in an Asian country?

I hope that angryangmoh's blog could put my observation in a different light.

wise cab uncle

Today, I was in a cab as usual, on my long journey to meet a client. I've always been very receptive to conversing with cab uncles because they've seen and experienced so much. The cab uncle was indignant for his sister after receiving a call because his sister's daughter-in-law bullies her. Aunty had a very capable and filial sun, however, upon marrying a woman from China, she feels trapped into doing housework. Her daughter in law doesn't do dishes, doesn't want to work and refuses to have children. She cried a few times because she loves her son very much, yet she has to put up with her selfish and spoilt daughter.

Uncle then progressed into talking about his daughter, who is extremely capable. She's a prosecutor and he thinks she intimidates guys because she's too successful. Uncle was really nice. He said I was a pretty girl and he can tell I'm very genuine and nice. He told me in his years of driving and living, there are plenty of guys out there but not all are real.

Uncle said I should not date a guy that drinks, gambles or smokes. Most importantly, not one who puts his guy friends above your needs. There would always be temptation. You can tell from the way he prioritises spending quality time with you and drinking or gambling with friends.

I told him in my previous relationship, I was extremely hurt. My self esteem and my view towards living suffered. He was just exactly like what Uncle described. He would smoke because his friends asked him to emo together. I know I don't need a guy like that.

I'm thankful that I have a good guy who quit smoking, who thinks I'm pretty and doesn't need to photoshop my pictures, who works very very hard. I've come to realise the best quality about him is that he's very humble. My friends that have worked with him in NUS adore him. I have not found someone that dislikes him. When I'm asleep, he would make sure I'm tucked in his blanket even though I would roll myself in his and leave him none.

Sometimes, I get really upset when he is late or when he blows me off for work, but at the end of the day, I love him for being practical.

Jh, Uncle and even speaking to Weishan today helped me realise some things. I have a good guy who loves me. :)

Thank you God, for answering my prayers. I love you.

Pei Huan and I :)

Last week, the thought of meeting my dearest friend Pei Huan, kept me going. I was bubbly like champagne, especially on Friday because I was going to meet her for her belated birthday dinner. I was blessed to be able to take her for a fabulous meal at Palais Renaissance.

Dear Pei Huan texted me a few nights before saying she was incredibly excited to be able to relive our camera crazy picture frenzy NUS days. I laughed.

I was so excited about meeting her that I dressed up and even had nice mascara on. I was early at the train station. Have you ever met someone and that you're so happy to meet him/her that you break into a smile and give the person the biggest bone crushing hug your frame can take? That was how I felt when I met her.

Here we are in the middle of ATAS al fresco dining. We made the poor waitress take quite a few shots.

Oh by the way, for those who don't know about it. I've curled my hair permanently and it's very coloured. I've had people mistake me for a Korean/Japanese alot ever since the dramatic change in hairstyle. I was initially very upset because I wasn't used to it but I think it's good to have a change ya?

I think I've brought most of my close friends here. Flo, Viv, C, Margie, Freda, Xilin, Siding, Shiming, Pris, Bran, Louie and now my dear princess.

For starters, a choice from the drinks menu.The kinds waitress recommended the watermelon smoothie and Pei Huan complimented her. She loved it!

A big smile emanating from deep inside.

My belated birthday gift from Pei Huan. She painstakingly made a beautiful tiny book for me.

Reading its content.Our appetizerFresh Canadian oyster with salmon roe.
Our mains. Crab tart drenched with crab bisque.

My Favourite!! Carbo overload!

Pasta of the day.

We didn't look this glam while eating..

After the sumputous meal, we had desserts! My favourite chocolate crunch doorstop cake( I finally got the name right after being there 6 times)

It's so very nice!!
Pei Huan says I have the an au natural greedy look. I think her isn't too bad!
More blissful than greedy I suppose.

A last picture before we leave.

That's not it! Hehehe. Up to no good..

Posing at the washroom! -giggles-
Dearest Pei Huan insists that I am Grace Van der Woodsen because she thinks I'm a fashionista. I beg to differ because Serena Van der Woodsen is the IT girl. I think Pei Huan just brings out the best in me.

She's so beautiful inside and so real. I have no reservations around her. I am truly blessed to have her in my life, to have her as a friend and sister.

I love you girl.

Eunique

I have a few male friends who would die to be my chauffeur for a performance. They would willingly spent $20 to come for my dance performances. I would like to think that it is solely the product of my charms. However, more to that, it's because of the girls that I dance with.

I'm extremely proud of these girls in the picture.

From left: Margie, Xilin, Freda and Siding.

Margie: She's petite and very very kawaii! She's also very much the queen bee of the group (in a very nice way of course). Lin might argue saying that's because she's the oldest or ahem, well endowed. Boys like girls who can easily be the centre of attention? She's the one.

Xilin: Perfect huge eyes framed by a doll like face. She's very blur and is mostly the receiver of our teasing because she is addicted to the mirror. The toilet, the lifts, she insists that the glass reflection of our seats at work are mirrors. Put her in a room all dolled up and you're going to hear people whispering about her because she looks like Join Tsai, a prettier version of her of course.

Freda: Easily the one with the X factor. Her huge dreamy eyes capture the hearts of the boys. Da is almost child like, innocent and very trusting. The hall boys go crazy when she dances. She sizzles and looks really hot!! Da is not just the grooviest amongst us but she sings super duper well. I heard her singing and I can understand why guys go gaga over her.

Siding: The most mature of the lot. She has beautiful eyes! Not dreamy ones like Da, but very cat like. Ding's extremely versatile, well versed in sports and dance. Back in hall, she's easily popular, striking easy camaraderie with people because she's both an awesome dancer and sportswoman. Ding has abs that would put guys to shame!

I'm extremely blessed to be able to dance with them. Just today, I was discussing about weddings and they volunteered to be bridesmaids and sing for my wedding! I'm not getting married though! It's just the thought that warms my heart. Awesome friends I have. Awesome girls who are sexy beautiful and highly sought after, yet down to earth and are truly good friends.

I'm blessed. I truly am.

:)

Gift of Friendship

My friends know how much of a technophobe I am. I started using MSN only in University because a friend volunteered setting it up for me. I had a headstart on facebook because my exchange friends told me to try it and I only started blogging when the fad was almost over. I'm glad I did because it brought me a very special friend.

I felt horrible this weekend and I thought of the special friend. I knew he would listen and give me advice without being biased nor judgemental, and even if I was wrong, he would tell me that I was.

Thank you for being here.

:)

dancing and friendships.

Da, Claud and an extra Aron on our way out from UCC.

I miss dancing with the girls but I'm also glad that our friendship has grown over the years. We're going on a diving trip this Friday at Dayang!

As Dingding would go... Sharkiesss here I come!!

Rawa

Hello World. My camera's damaged so I haven't been able to blog much, and especially update with what I've done and been to with pictures to tell a story.

I went to Raw last month. It was so beautiful and relatively uncommercialised compared to Redang and Tioman. Went with the Martina gang, feasted on seafood, hung out by the beach and got sunburnt (hence my SPG tan).

I went with a group of 30. We departed from Newton, courtesy of Mary's oganising.

Our comfy bus.

Seen here, Liz and Francois, Laurent, Viv and Flo, Joelle and a hung over Pierre!
While waiting at Mersing ferry terminal.
You haven't been to Malaysia if you've never tried their signature Ramly burger. It's made of pure goodness. Chicken patty fried, topped with fat laden mayo, chili sauce and tomato ketchup.

While waiting, we played UNO! Lolo won!

Check out my cards. I'm the one with the hair tie and I'm left with 2 cards. -snicker-
Things you have to do in Rawa. Jetty diving!!

Here's Flo. My favourite angry ang mo

And Louie..

And my dearest Viv, who never ceases to amaze me with her antics.

And of course Liz, who is also from Eusoff.
Where's mine? I wasn't able to dive. I spent half my day resting in my room because I was terribly ill with a cold.

What else do you do in Rawa? You just chill in your hammock.

Viv's favourite hobby.

I joined in for dinner. I was glad I did because it was beautiful and the bbq seafood dinner was gastronomical.

After dinner activity. With the girls :)

Untouched Haven

Rawa is still very much an untouched Paradise. It is a secluded coral island just 30 minutes speedboat ride off Mersing, Johor. The pristine sandy beaches fringed by palm trees make Rawa an ideal weekend getaway.

Rawa does not deal with travel agents, therefore making it a gem of an island as it isn't bustling with commercial activities.

Things you do can do in Rawa include being a sand slug, kayak, jetty dive and hike up the trail behind Rawa Safaris Resort.

Tada!! The peak overlooks the beach. (warning: the hike up is reallyyy steep)

Haha. My favourite picture. Reliving their schoolboy days.

And my favourite! With my dearest friend, Viv.

After a little too much sun, there's nothing like Jenga under the hut.

Francois's almost there..

WAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHH!!! Priceless expressions from Flo and Franco!!

Back to rest because I was really ill.

Flo remarked saying that it's an FHM shoot in Rawa. :)

Aiyah! And I have to tell you this was where I got my ass really burnt.

Still smiling..




Talked and basked in the sun and got my butt so burnt, it peeled!!

Things boys do in Rawa.

Flo is extremely proud of his picture because it depicts his toned leaned muscles.

Pierre..

Dear friends and family, you have have HAVE to visit Rawa before it becomes commercialised. Reservations can be made via Rawa's website!

Have a blessed Sunday!!!!