Romantic paris

This third trip to Paris on a free and easy mode has really changed my view of the city. The past two trips on tour group were rushed and mainly to catch the major sightseeing spots. 

This time round there's time to enjoy French breakfast- croissants, coffee, orange juice. And take the subway to boutiques at rue cambon where Chanel, Hermes, ysl etc are waiting happily for you to spend money. 

I also managed to visit Versailles palace, louvre museum for Mona Lisa which I missed the last two trips. 

I didn't know I was so tired until I came back to Singapore. But it was fun and we had super lots of good food including one Michelin restaurant. The travel companions were fun and easy going too. They kept saying they will definitely be back again. 

For me, I don't mind too but US remains my fav destination anytime. 

Bonjour

In less than one week, i will be flying to Paris for holidays.. more of a free and easy trip this time but of cos will include some of the must see sights such as Seine river, Effiel tower, Versailles castle and Lourve musuem.

Most importantly, trying the michellin restaurant, loads of Macarons, crepes, truffles etc. Plus a must visit to Hermes boutique to try my luck on getting the Kelly bag..

It's a short one week break to Europe but nonetheless i am excited & looking forward to it :)

I love Japan

Yeah-- flying off tomorrow night to one of my fav countries... This time round to the southern part of Japan ie fukuoka... 

The last trip I had wasn't enjoyable due to the police chase incident but nonetheless I still look forward to this upcoming one.. 

The food, the language, the shopping, hot spring etc. 

And most importantly, the long awaited break from work :)) 

Nightmare

Last night was the second night that i had the same nightmare. It was about quiting my job and then regreting about the decision.

I am so glad when i woke up and realised it was a dream. But is it true then about what the EC person said about me "fang bu xia".

I wished i wasn't so uptied about it.

1 Jul 2013

Congrats to myself! For pulling thru the difficult times and all these would not happen with the support and encouragement from my team and fellow colleagues.

The road hasnt been easy with some ups but mostly downs esp Sept/ Oct 2012. I perservered on, looking forward to better times, almost wanting to give up but finally reached a resting point at this time. I do believe that challenges and hardships make a person emerged stronger.

More jobs were loaded on me but my mindset has always been to take things as they come. Don't think too much.

For now, quite a number of celebrations planned ahead to thank the people who have helped me along the way.

I hope the road ahead will be more smooth sailing...
 

Osaka de su

It's Osaka tomorrow night. Yeah to yummy japanese food and loads of shopping..

But to think of travelling there alone on the flight is not too exciting. Especially when it's a midnight flight.. that would be boring. Hopefully there's an empty row for me to lay down and catch some sleep :)

Lady Dior

Finally collected the Lady Dior black lambskin large bag with gold charms from Angela who went Paris. I was not as excited as before i collected the bag.

I mean the bag's great and all but the excitement seemed to have gone. Thats strange and somehow it's difficult to explain.

Anyway i have only carried it for two days to work and maybe i will grow to like it more and more as i carry. Let's see.

Vancouver

As mentioned in my earlier post, i did not have great expectations for my Canada/ US tour. But it turned out to be so good:

1. The scenary in Vancouver in particular Rockies and Lake Louise is unbeatable.
2. The tax free shopping in Portland is exhilarating.
3. Just having simple americano at Starbucks in Seattle, its hometown just feels good.
4. Best of all, being with my parents on a two weeks getaway from work and the usual routine make me jump for joy.

I will be back in the US soon.

Dream yesterday, reality today

I dreamt last night that both myself and my uncle each bought a condo unit.

Today my dad first went down to the condo, Urban Vista to view the showflats. He called when he was there asking whether i want to go down and see the units as well. I was reluctant as i was clearing my emails before my long leave starts.

After dinner, my mum again asked if i wanna go down to the showflats. I was again lazy but since my two nieces are going as well and i need to pick up the US GPS maps from Foong May, i thought just go down on the way to take a look.

Never in my mind did i know it was the first step towards a big decision in my life. All these people helped me in this major step forward. It was truly a quick decision, i hope it wasn't an impulse one. I do like the location at Tanah Merah, i liked the finishes and it was a relatively high floor facing the two pools.

My mum even had to call my auntie at 10pm to bring down her cheque for the downpayment of SGD 15,000 as my dad will need some time to transfer the money to his current account.

And the best part is the 15% additional payment upon signing of S&P is almost the exact amount i had in my CPF to be utilised for this purpose. You see how everything fits together?

In any case, after the purchase and signing off pages and pages of terms, i suddenly felt like i had an objective in life. There is fear definitely of coping with the monthly installment but the proud feeling of being a house owner is really indescripable.

Let's put myself together and look forward after this big investment decision!

Seattle & Vancouver Mar 2013

The long awaited holidays... not so much excited about visiting new places but more of getting away from office and someone i dread.

The funny thing is that i am more fearful of the days when i am back from the holidays.. i still gonna face her for the rest of the year and next year and if she stays further.. the coming few years...

That's really terrible and i dont know how i can survive that thoughts always on me.

In any case, i will be flying off in four days' time and maybe i should just let go. Things will still move without me in the office. I will just not think about it and be good to myself, even if it's only for two weeks. That's at least two weeks without the irritating her.

除夕 2013

It was good to take a day's leave to "prepare" for CNY and the reunion dinner. Even though i wasnt of much help in terms of housework. But did spent some time taking Andrea out for a walk around the mall.

Just before the lunar new year, there have been several changes in work procedures, unexpected ones.. which would mean more bureacracy for the team, additional approvals etc. BJS project is still a headche with the other section telling us no time, no time... to complete the move.

Relationship with the new VP is still unstable, depending on her mood :( There seemed more uncertainties this year compared to Dragon. In any case, i just hope to keep a low profile and sail smoothly thru the snake year!

Gong xi fa cai and shun shun li li to all!
 

Happy 2013

2012 has been a year full of ups and downs for me in terms of work. Beginning of the year has been alright but coming end of year becos of various changes, it has been a hair pulling experience... Stressed.

Family and personal travelling have been kind to me... Addition of my cute younger niece and travelling quite a bit for holidays to NYC, Bangkok etc.

I am looking forward to a better 2013... A new year means a new beginning and good luck to all!