Lesson of the day: Always wait for the boyfriend to come before you shop.

Bought a truck load full of cleaning equipments and household items from the hypermart because I thought the boyfriend will come and pick me up after his meeting. He just called to tell me that he is going to be very late tonight because he has a big project to do. Now I gotta try to lug my bulky purchases home all by myself on public transport. :S

The (temporary) end of Mrs. Pig's tai-tai life.

Woke up only at noon today. Went to Causeway Point for lunch alone after I washed up. Ate a plate of tasteless and oily char kway teow which I gave up after a while and abandoned half of it.

Got some red dates and dried longan meat from Hock Hua too. Made some longan red dates tea because dear likes it. Found a recipe on Blogger's Recipe that is easy to make. I replaced rock sugar with rock honey sugar which is not so sweet.

Watched 锦衣卫 with dear at AMK Hub today. It is the first time I actually enjoy watching an action movie. The story is quite intriguing and the actors are good. Donnie Yen, especially put up an excellent performance.

We went to M1 to sign up for mobile broadband service after dinner. When the salesperson handed him the contract, he noticed that his marital status has been updated to 'married'. The salesperson had thought that we are married and updated the record. =)

Just spoke to dear and he was telling me that the mobile broadband service is mad slow. We have signed up for 2Mbps which is only 1Mbps slower than what we used to use. Shall monitor and hope that the speed improves soon. =/

It is the weekend again. One last weekend before I go back to work. I will need some getting used to. =(

Mrs. Pig's day out.

Didn't get to sing K today because Wei Qi was late by a good 45 minutes. Since I was already out, we went to town for lunch. Met Chin Heng after lunch and we ate again. =/ I seriously needa watch my diet and start exercising again. =(

Passed by the neoprint shop (Pretty in Tokyo) in Cineleisure today. It is undergoing renovation and will be reopened before CNY. Jo and I used to go there to take neoprints every time she came back. Miss the old days. Maybe we should go there and take neoprints again when she is back this time. =)

Took the PC theory test today. It is an open book test but it is not easy. We passed the test anyway. Still needa pass the practical test before I can get my PC though.

Walked to AMK Hub with Michelle and Shing Jia today. We took half an hour to walk there from the driving range but it was very relaxing. I don't feel tired at all despite walking that distance. At least I did some form of exercise today.

No appointments tomorrow. Time to start spring cleaning. =S

I am sorry to announce that I have joined yet another bank.

Just signed the appointment letter with the bank that is living and breathing Asia. I will be working with them from next Monday onwards. The job is a piece of cake for me considering my background. My new base salary is quite similar to what I was getting previously but the remuneration and benefit package on the whole is better than before. Though I never expect my salary to remain the same as before, it is still nice to be paid more than less.

Went to Suntec City to personalize a bath towel for dear as a Valentine's Day gift for him. He will chide me for spending too much money if I buy an expensive gift for him. The towel is special yet inexpensive and practical. It has our names on it so that he will think of me whenever he uses it. =)

He asked me to help him to buy a size 14 1/2 white shirt today. While I was slowly making my way to the shop, he sent me a SMS, "Rmbr need to have collar button one hor else u iron for me. :p" He is very dependent on me to do things like these for him nowadays. I have done such a good job taking care of him that he thinks that his mother is not good enough. I think I spoiled him. =/

Spoke to Jo last night. She just got her TR and she is coming home in two weeks' time! My best friend is finally coming home!!! I am so happy and excited! Gotta start planning what to do with her when she is back. =D

Meeting Wei Qi for K-lunch tomorrow. Cannot wait for Winnie and Robin anymore. It has been too long. I need my K-fix now!

Absence makes the heart feels fonder.

Dear came back last week. I went to the airport to meet him at midnight though I didn't drive. I just wanted to see him as soon as possible because I missed him so much. Both of us were happy to see each other again after a week of separation.

We saw each other everyday for the week that followed. I would stay at home to clean the room in the morning and go shopping in the afternoon while he was at work then we would go out for dinner together when he comes home in the evening. It was a period of trial marriage. He just told me that he had started saving for our wedding. Does that mean that I will become Mrs. Chua soon? =D

I miss my pig.

Dear always calls me pig because I sleep a lot. I call him pig too because he sleeps more than I do. =P

My pig left for Hanoi with his friends yesterday. We only parted when he left for the airport but I still miss him every minute that he is away from me. Didn't talk to him today so I sent him a SMS.

Me: Pig got miss me? Never miss me come back I eat you. :P missing you every minute. :)
Pig: yaya no bolsters leh. on way to train station... tired sia better behave yrself

Hee. Hearing from him puts me at ease. I kept looking at that SMS he sent. It will be my pillar of support for the next four days to come. Too used to seeing him everyday that I feel uneasy without him by my side even for a day. I miss my pig. =(

Melaka (27-12-2009 to 02-01-2010)

Was in Melaka with dear for a week. Uncle Seng has an apartment there so we had free accomodation. The host and his wife were with us on our first day there but we were left alone after that when they returned to Singapore the following day.

Lived the life of a tai-tai while we were there. We went for massage three times in a week and he brought me to the nail salon for manicure and pedicure. All expenses paid. No need to clean the house because the part-time maid would clean up after us. No need to cook meals because there are so much good food in Melaka. It was pure bliss. =)

By the way, some people have asked me how I survived a week in a boring town like Melaka. Melaka is like second home to dear and I. True enough, there is nothing interesting there. We go there just to escape the hustle and bustle in Singapore and enjoy quality time with each other. Things are also much cheaper there because of the exchange rate that is to our advantage and lower taxes.

For the benefit of those who will be going to Melaka for a vacation but don't know where to go, here are some recommendations:

Food

Cottage Spices
G26 , Jalan PM5, Plaza Mahkota, Bandar Hilir 75000 Melaka
It situated in a shop house near Mahkota Parade. Serves Peranakan food.

Restoran Nancy's Kitchen
No. 7, Jalan Hang Lekir, (3rd Cross Street), off Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka
Located in Jonker Walk. Serves Peranakan food. Also sells Nyonya Kueh.

Restoran Bei Zhan
No. 43, Jalan Kota Laksamana 2/17, Taman Kota Laksamana Seksyen 2, 75200 Melaka
Serves Chinese food.

Massage

Topic Healthcare Centre
101 & 101-A, Jalan Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya, 75000 Melaka
Provides foot and full body massage.

There are other places we usually go to for food and local produce but I do not have the address so I am not posting them up. People seldom stay in Melaka for too long anyway so I guess this should be enough.

Miss the times we had in Melaka. Miss him.

Saying goodbye to my banking career.

Went to The Mussel Guys at Orchard Central for our "Christmas dinner" on Friday. Don't wanna squeeze with the entire world on Christmas eve so we had our "Christmas dinner" in advance. No Christmas menu, just a normal dinner. I just like the idea of having a Christmas dinner during the Christmas season.

Anyway, food was only so-so. I had expected better from them.

I had a cheesy seafood baked rice set and dear had a fish and chip set. All set meal comes with a soup of the day and a dessert of the day on weekends. Soup of the day was seafood bisque and dessert of the day was cookies and cream ice-cream.

Portion was small. My cheesy seafood baked rice was a thin layer of rice at the bottom topped with a thin layer of seafood (2 mussels, 2 small slices of fish and 2 prawns) and cheese. I was only half full after dinner. Taste was just ordinary. So ordinary I think I can easily reproduce the same dish at home.

Price was alright. Dinner for two cost us about $30++ after tax and service charge.

Spent the afternoon sleeping after work on Saturday because it was raining. It was my last working Saturday. Hooray! When we woke up, dear suggested that we take a bus to the airport for dinner. The bus ride was fun at first because it was one of the rare occasions dear leaves his mistress at home and take public transport but it turned out to be a horrendous experience because it took us almost an hour to reach our destination. Dear said he will not take public transport again as long as he can avoid it. Now he understands why I hate to use public transport. =P

Our sole reason for going to the airport was to eat Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits but dear changed his mind when we passed by the food court. He wanted to eat Qiu Lian Ban Mian instead. After all that trouble. -_- Oh well.

Went shopping around T3 after dinner. Adidas, Crocs and Celio are having outlet sale at the 3Top. Didn't buy anything as most of the items on sale were too big for us.

While we were having dinner, we realised that some people go to the airport just to shop. We thought that was interesting but it makes sense when we checked through our receipt from Candy Empire. GST was absorbed. That is equivalent to a storewide 7% discount! Not only at Candy Empire but at Watson's, Chomel etc. too! Retail therapy made more efficient. =P

Sunday was the usual sleep, eat, sleep again, gym, eat again routine. Went to Woodlands Centre to eat fish soup but the stall was closing when we reached there. It was the second consecutive time we didn't get to eat the fish soup. =/Ate tze char at a coffee shop near my place instead.

Talked to Radiah last night. Wanted to ask her if she wanna join us at St. James Power Station on Saturday. It was then that I found out that she has broken up with her fiance. My cousin, Shuying divorced her husband recently too. I am scared. Scared that I will be hurt by the one I set out to live the rest of my life with, the one I love so dearly. Maybe marriage is not so much of a fairytale like I expected it to be. It will be a bonus if it doesn't turn out to be a nightmare.

It will be my last working day at the bank tomorrow. I am looking forward to the beginning of my new life.

While I am serving notice...

Had lunch with Chin Heng at Admiralty yesterday. He was feeling down so he came to look me up for a chat. The poor boy was having trouble with love and he needed a listening ear. I hope he is feeling better now.

Dear and I watched Avatar in 3D with Kaddy and Kris yesterday. The movie is 161 minutes long. Super lengthy but super worth the time. I would say it is a must watch! Tickets are selling fast. Better to book the tickets in advance if you intend to catch it.

Dear will be helping out at his friend's wedding on boxing day and I will have a full day and night to myself. I have alredy planned my schedule for my "off day". =P Will be meeting Robin and Winnie for lunch in the afternoon. Gonna be a treat from Robin since he misses me so much. =P Meeting Chin Heng and maybe Geraldine for dinner and clubbing later in the evening. Got approval from dear to club because I have been a good girl for too long. =P

Lavinia will be spending Christmas with her family in Japan this year. She will also be jetting off to Bangkok with Ivan shortly after her trip to Japan to celebrate New Year with him. Lucky girl. I am so envious. While dear has promised to bring me on a holiday, I can't go anywhere now because I have not settled work issues. ='(

Dear's sister will be moving to her new home next month and she is bringing the home broadband service with her. Since I am free, I was tasked by dear to source for a broadband service plan with the best value. The other day, he was asking me if there is another bottle of shampoo at his home because the bottle he is using has finished. I feel so married when he involves me with household stuff like these. 我有一种幸福的感觉。 =)

The countdown begins.

Wanted to go to the driving range to practise golf yesterday but didn't go in the end because my course mates couldn't make it. Will be going to the driving range earlier to practise before the lesson starts today.

Went to watch Feng Yun II with dear, Kaddy and Kris at Downtown East instead. We parked at Kris' sister's EC and saved on parking. =P Feng Yun II was boring. The story was weak. There were a lot of fighting scenes and nothing else. A total waste of money. =/

I will tender my resignation next Monday. Another two working days to freedom! I may continue to report for duty during my notice period though. Gotta help John out at the branch since he is still very inexperienced. I can't wait to get out of this sh*t hole!

大肚腩

Went to dear's cousin, Maryanne's wedding at Hilton hotel on Tuesday. Towards the end of the banquet, her husband surprised her by singing her a song:

大肚腩 by 阿牛

你怎么可以这样糊涂
竟打算给我你的全部
放弃了整座森林
只为了一棵矮椰树
如何让你明白让你懂
说到长相肆守就头痛
朝朝暮暮守着一棵树
不敢担保自己承受得住
如果有一天我有了大肚腩
你对我是否意兴阑珊
如果有一天你成了黄脸婆
我是否会嫌你又老又罗嗦
如果有一天我有了大肚腩
你是否会爱我依然
如果有一天你身材走了样
我是否还会为你摘下星星月亮
这时代瞬千万变
谈恋爱像吃快餐一样方便
因为没有勇气相信永远
只好向你承诺我会珍惜眼前
如果有一天我有了大肚腩
你对我是否意兴阑珊
如果有一天你成了黄脸婆
我是否会嫌你又老又罗嗦
如果有一天我有了大肚腩
你是否会爱我依然
如果有一天你身材走了样
我是否还会为你摘下星星月亮
如果不小心我们白头偕老
上天保佑我们恩爱依然
当我们老掉了牙，花白了头发
让我当月亮来温暖你皱皱的脸庞
如果有一天我有了大肚腩
不要紧啦，拿来当枕头睡喽

The lyrics of the song is very meaningful. He was trying to tell his wife that appearance will change but his love for her will never change. So sweet!

A heritage tour for dear.

Shun Zhi is getting married this Sunday. Our whole family is going to Batu Pahat to attend his wedding and dear is coming with us! I am so excited! It will be the first time dear visits my other hometown and I am gonna take him on a heritage tour to know more about our family.

We are 8 months into our relationship and I am quite surprised that we have come this far. I had never expected that a casual date 8 months ago will result in the special relationship we share today. 8 months may not be a long time but I believe that our love for each other will see us through dozens of 8 years and when we are 80 years old, we will still smile to each other and say "I love you". =)

My first golf lesson.

Went for my first golf lesson at Nature Park Driving Range yesterday. We learnt the three types of grip and also how to swing the club. Jason is an excellent coach. We were all able to hit the ball on our first attempt! I think that is quite an acheivement. =P Still a little uncomfortable with my posture though. Guess I still have a long way to go before I can enjoy the game. =/

I still have a chance!

I sent an e-mail to Wendy for an update this morning. She just replied to inform me that they are still reviewing my application and Corporate HR will give me a formal reply within 2-4 weeks from the day the interview was conducted. I should stop scaring myself. =P

Hope the long wait reaps good returns.

Sent an e-mail to Wendy to follow up on the status of my application just now. Right after I sent out the e-mail, I received a Out of Office AutoReply from her to inform me that she is away from office and will only be back on 1 December. =/ Guess I can only wait patiently for HR to get back to me then.

Jo should see this.

Passed by the wet market on my way out to lunch and saw Australian lemons selling for S$0.40 each. I wonder why did we have to pay A$0.90 for a lemon in Perth then?

I will love him for as long as I live because I know he loves me.

No more nonsense from Ivy. Well, at least I don't see any nonsense on facebook anymore and I assume that she has given up all hopes to take my Kenneth away from me. I know that she can continue to harass him via PM, call or SMS but I trust him to ignore her if she does. He knows I will spot check on him every now and then so I doubt he dares to keep in contact with her in private anyway. =P

I have yet to hear from HR regarding my transfer. Will follow up with Wendy tomorrow if I still don't hear from them by then. Anyway, I will tender my resignation next month if my application is unsuccessful. Dear has promised to 养我 if I cannot find a job after I leave my current one. He said he just want me to be happy. Awwwww... ...sooooo sweeeeet~! I was so touched that I almost dropped a tear when he said that. I love my dear!!! =D

Dear's friend from NJC, Shun Liang gave us (Dear and I, JingDe and Edna, Kaddy and Kris, Benjamin and Swee San) a treat at MOF @My Izakaya on Sunday.

Dear ordered a unagi hot stone rice and I had a salmon bibimbap hot stone rice. It was delicious! You gotta keep stirring the rice as you eat because it will be burnt if you leave it at the bottom for too long. I like to leave the rice to burn though because it is so tasty and crunchy! =P Sushi was not as good as the main course. The sushi rice tasted like it was mixed with DIY sushi rice mix. =X Dessert was my favourite macha ice-cream! I just can't get enough of macha ice-cream. It is so yummy! =P

Sat around to chit chat with the ladies after dinner. I will soon be the only Miss in the tai-tai club because Swee San and Benjamin will be tying the knot next January! I wonder when I can upgrade my membership too. =/

I always enjoy chatting with the tai-tais because we share the same sentiments most of the time. While the guys were planning a guys only trip to Bangkok, we ladies had agreed that none of us will give our consent for them to go. If they want to go, they will have to bring us along. =P The guys abandoned their plan in the end. =)

It is a short week this week because it is Hari Raya Haji on Friday. A pity I gotta work on Saturday morning. Well, better than nothing. I really hate working.

My tai-tai day.

The interview went well. The interviewers were easy-going and very humourous. No sweat. =) Just needa wait for a call from HR to brief me on the contract and remuneration packagae now.

Had lunch with Chin Heng at Vivo City after the interview. It was a short meeting because the good boy had not finished his tutorial. =/

Wanted to wait for dear to knock off and send me to the driving range for my golf lessons but I forgot to bring my shoes. Went home to change instead. When I was done and about to leave home, Jason called to postpone the lesson because the rain was too heavy. =(

Since I was free, I gave myself a facial. Didn't have the time and energy to do so after I joined the bank. Felt so relaxed when I finally did. Mmmmm... ...

Dear was telling me about his fish on facebook so I swung by to take a look. The first thing I saw on his profile when the page loaded was a video of Andy Lau in a Sovil Titus commercial uploaded by an Ivy with the caption, "WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO FIX OUR WATCH?" This is not the first time I saw her post on dear's profile. She had been very rude all the while and she kept bringing up "past memories". All her posts suggest some "things" going on between her and dear. The video was the last I could tolerate. I asked dear if she is his ex-girlfriend. He said she is but the relationship ended long time ago and there is nothing between them now. I told him I don't like what she posted and he removed all her posts. I know dear loves me and still does but I am still upset. It is obvious that this Ivy is vying with me for his love and attention. I don't know what to do now. ='(

I will SHINE. =)

Wendy Lim from Call Centre has invited me to her office in Alexandra for a second round of interview tomorrow. The position I have applied for is that of a Customer Service Officer.

Doesn't seem like an upgrade to you, does it? You are right on that. I wanna do something "lighter" but still pay at least my current basic. This was the best I could find and is still the best I can find.

Hwee referred me for the position after he found out that I was desperately looking for a non-sales job. Have to thank the man for the helping hand.

If all goes well, I will work in the Alexandra office, where Kim is based. Dear works in Telok Blangah, which is nearby. Excellent arrangement.

Please pray for me.

Lost my direction.

I broke down yesterday. Started dropping tears while I was on my way home, on the train. I tried suppressing my tears but it was a futile attempt. And thus, I sobbed all the way from Marina Bay to Admiralty. :'( Continued to cry my eyes out when I was home, in the privacy of my own room.

What happened?

Being a banker was my dream. It was the ONLY thing I wanted to do after graduation. I was happy with my chosen career path until the most unfortunate event happened. We were hit by the worst financial crisis ever. The whole banking landscape was set for a major makeover after that. Everything changed. All the privileges of being a banker were being taken away from us overnight and only the stress and sh*tty work remain. I HATE my job now.

So, what can I do if I hate my job? Quit and find another one? Easier said than done. I just lost my ambition. I don't know what I really wanna do now. I have always said I wanna be a tai-tai but I have tried and know that I will be sick of staying at home once I have rested enough. I felt weak and worthless. I am lost.