Retrospective

2007 has been such an eventful year, I don't even know where to begin.

2007 isn't really the year to talk about work, since I hardly did any. I mean, I haven't held a job in almost a year, which means I have been poor as a pauper, but very fulfilled emotionally. I 'm talking about my stay in Italy, which was so beautiful, I still have sweet dreams about it from time to time. I recall the fresh air in the Tuscan countryside, the BEST seafood pasta I had in Maremma at this beachside restaurant, the daily Italian classes, the amazing friends...Gosh, it still feels so recent.

That said, there have been several downs too, mainly with my body. Not insecurities, but infections (eye and ear), bad headaches, a sprained wrist and a nasty, nasty scald incident. Perhaps that's part and parcel of aging, but I have learnt to appreciate life and health a bit more especially after the scald episode.

Which means for the coming year,
1) I am going to stay fit, by going back into working out.
2) I am cutting back on caffeine. Moderation is the word.
3) I am taking things easy and relaking more. Life's too short.
4) I will be Happy.

Pretty manageable, huh?

Ugg-ly

One of my favourite things in this world must be these super-comfy boots from Ugg Australia.

I got my tall pair in dark brown in Melbourne a few days back, and I am sooo.. in love with it. Now, what makes it really different is that it is lined with Australian sheepskin, which makes it so comfy to wear, like walking on a luxurious, soft carpet, plus they really do keep you warm! In fact, it is okay to skip the socks. The exterior is suede, and nice to the touch.

It's just really a shame that the weather here does not quite permit us to wear boots. But I am so ready to get my second pair in camel. Can't wait.

me and my fab Uggs in Melbourne

A day (and night) at the Zoo

I can't even remember the last time I stepped foot into the Singapore Zoological Gardens, but it was rocking awesome! It still marvels me that there is this little corner tucked away in our urban jungle, full of lovely little and big animals! We had a blast that night too, cos the clever people at the zoo has decided to turn it into a Halloween playground of sorts, with 'demons' pouncing on you along the 'Ghoulish Trail' and 'Pet Cemetery'. Heheh. I feel all sixteen again. It was so much fun!

But of course, the star attractions were the animals. We went goo-goo gaa-gaaing over the white tigers, giraffes (my fave), elephants (baby's fave), otters, hyenas and so many more! Definitely worth a visit. Excellent date venue too :p

Would like to post more photos, but I am running out of photo storage space. Damn.

Never Trust a Skinny Chef

You may not be a fan of Jamie Oliver, but boy, his books are just so pretty!

I received his latest book, Jamie at Home, as a present from my bf, and I am totally in love with it. It talks about his gardening adventures, growing fresh produce, such as zucchinis, tomatoes, potatoes and the marvellous receipes that make use of these veggies. In case you think it's yet another recipe book, then you are wrong. There are anecdotes and little snippets about how he gets down and dirty in his backyard and oh so lovely pictures. Plus it's hard cover which I totally dig. Excellent coffee table book. But pretty hefty a price tag. About 70 plus.

Guess where it all started? I fell in love with his books, ever since I purchased another one of his books, Jamie in Italy. It details his trip to Italy and how he experimented with authentic Italian dishes with the locals. Beautiful, beautiful pictures. Must-read if you are in love with Italy, like I am. Now, let's just wait for the DVD release :)

I love Candy

Candy Empire at Vivocity is an eeevil place.

For those of you who know me, I have never been big on sweets and chocolates, unlike the typical girl. But Candy Empire is great fun! Not the cheapest place to get your chocolate fix, but interesting enough as they bring in goodies from overseas, not your everyday Cadbury or Lindt. Mint chocolate Kit Kat, cookies and cream Voodoo, marshmallow spread, dark orange chocolate, makes you feel like a kid all over again.

Apparently, the store was involved in some controversy a few months back. Wheelchair bound folks were banned from entering the store cos' of the many racks and narrow alleys. But the ban has since been lifted cos' there was a public outrage.

Still worth a visit though. I heard there's even a vomit flavoured candy available. Let's try !!!

Life in Singapura

I have been trying to blog for the past few days, given the amount of time I now have at hand.

However, there's really nothing much to blog about, given that there's nothing interesting happening in my life now that I'm back, except spending time with my Baby. Afterall, this is a portal for me to write about things I observe or see.

It did take a bit of getting used to seeing dead people (I mean, Singaporeans) during peak hours, rushing to board MRT trains, then 'stoning' in them. Why are Singaporeans so lifeless? I mean, at least read a book while commuting. But the one thing I can't really complain about is the abundance of trains. Short waiting times, godsend. Hike in transport costs, not.

The highlight of me being back in Singapore was beginning my life in earnest with my Baby. I guess they say, when you are together with the one you love, it doesn't really matter where you guys are. But, we are running out of options as to where to 'pat tor'. Ideas anyone?

Hello Singapura

Hello Singapura.

Honestly the moment I landed on our sunny shores, it did took a little bit of taking used to. Getting used to hearing Singlish, seeing Singaporeans, carpeted floors, ushers leading us to taxis (!) and swift queues. But something that didn't require getting used to was stuffing myself with local food! My baby took me to have laksa, though it wasn't the greatest, but man, shiok leh!

Of course the highlight was seeing the One after almost seven long months. The wait is finally over.