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It's 2008, it's January. It is no longer December, no longer 2007. And I kind of missed 2007 and the magic of December.
December is my favourite month all the time, as a student, i've always looked forward to the December school holidays. June holidays are good, and though my university summer hols are 3 months long, its always the short 1 month December holidays that are filled with this season of magic, the generosity and love Christmas brings. Last 2007, it did not fail to amaze me and December have been indeed so special!!!
Walking along xmas-lit Orchard Road with bf :)
Thailand mission trip and all the feelings i've encountered - afraid, love from church travel mates, amazement at God's love, wonder at the hearts and soul of the people reaching out to God, fear of the night darkness and the thought of how the devil tries to spoil God's plans, responsibility to bring out how important continually supporting the Thai Christian orphanages, drug rehabs and churches is because of all these we've seen. I'm so touched by the extent of their longing to know God more, their happy faces and their warm and sincere smiles and thoughtfulness, i really hope to contribute something more to them.
Our mission trip group with some of the co-workers at the Thai orphanges
The end of the semester exams after a stretch of intensive studying with supportive friends - FYDI especially Sophie who is always there during most of the studying, Jocelyn, Wen Jie and, Celestine who never fails to amaze me at her alternative studying method... Joshua and Angus who lightens up the tense exam mood with magic card tricks and our rounds of Dai-tee. (: Thank you to them all, they made everything so much easier to get by, and make me feel that I'm certainly not alone in this. The examination results shows that all these are worth it!
Christmas and how i've experienced Christmas even before 25th Dec, during all those church rehearsals for the musical, and feeling the intensity of His love for us through the songs sang. Going to the xmas service with Anna and Bertrand, every little bit counts. And returning all these with little gifts to special friends, December is for sharing a bit of yourself, a piece of your love to friends!
With Jiayi, one of the kids i've seen grown up in church, put some make up on her for musical
Hand-made cards and lovingly wrapped little Xmas+New Yr+No need for reason gifts for Anna n Joy
Going over to Nopp's place and staying over, spending the day doing nothing important but anything comfortable, like baking cakes, looking after Cookie and Nash, playing with them... playing the Wii, attending parties and having fun doing what you like at the spur of the moment. Falling asleep at whichever time and waking up till you can't sleep anymore. That was really nice.
Sending Cookie to the vet for vaccination
Playing with Nash
Carrying a struggling Cookie, she loves to run and never gets tired!
Meeting friends, tea with Joy, Anna and Alvin.. shopping with FYDI and Dim Sum.. gatherings with church friends, meeting up relatives and actually trying to show some care for them. Dragging my boyfriend or gfs (e.g. Anna :D ) to explore flea markets, hit town totally dressed up and ready for shopping..and carrying bags and bags of stuff back. Feasting for 2 weeks straight with either a buffet or a good restaurant meal every day.
With my cousin En Xi/Meredith during a Xmas gathering at Aunt's place. She's so cute! Very obedient and love to sing.
After Xmas service, dinner at MOF with Anna n Bertrand. Yummy Sukiyaki i ordered, cannot finish :S
A Jack's place feast with family - Dad have free bank vouchers, i love their baked potatoes to bits!
All these little things makes December so fun, because you can do exactly what you like. I hope all Decembers will be like that, but reality is harsh and when you start working, December is no longer a long long holiday like this. Knowing these, I will continue to hold and cherish all these pleasant feelings of magic for as long as I can.
xoxo, principessa
All in all, today is a busy but thoroughly satisfying day. I've made a major change in my life, i started to get vain and bothered by the 'irrisome' moles and freckles i have (which i have been harping on removing) that i actually started to do something about them :) HURRAYS. Great end to the year, note that this is not a baseless floating in the air dream for new year resolutions, but one thing i am certain i want to become in my life is to be decisive, to act and follow through my dreams.
(A small note) about many of the people i know are that they are completely...either indecisive dreamers or practical realists. The latter is alright with me but the former, i love my friends but i know i wouldn't want to let go of dreams, of ideas just because people think it's unconventional. Don't do that kays? Even if everyone thinks you're crazy, we're too young to let it go without trying! Although, some of my ideas are really a bit... impractical.
I drafted out this idea long long ago... that since many of my friends say "Anything" whenever we discuss where to go for dinner/lunch/whatever, why don't someone come up with a "Anything" restaurant? Say, there's this special menu for 'anything' sayers.. they really get anything. Order 'anything', get anything from the menu randomly chosen by a computer. WHICH is why i'm not too surprised when some company comes up with a "Anything" and "Whatever" drink. The craze is kind of over though a way to revive it could be really...to have an unlimited flavour drink inside without stating the possible flavours. Kind of like the Every Flavour Bean in Harry Potter?
Anyway, back to my Merry Christmas Eve.
Stayed over at my bf's and i noticed a lovely lovely surprise when i woke up. A nicely wrapped present from Chanel, with silver wrapping paper and Chanel ribbons. WOW!!! I remembered telling my bf how nice it will be to get the Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Perfume because i've been wanting it for a very long time but i'm not willing to part with so much money. Nopp got me the Eau De Parfum and i'm so glad, because the scent lasted the whole day!! :D
The perfume makes me simply delirious! (spelling?) Actually the mole doesn't look so bad in this picture. Looks, cute.
Went to Ichiban Japanese Restaurant at Wisma with bf for lunch, delicious stuff at reasonable prices. We paid less than $20 for two as we shared a large set meal.
But the real major thing that happened, is that i've removed the mole on my shoulder and did IPL on my face and neck. Gosh, i was shocked and burnt both on my skin and my bank account. Did it at Calvin Chan's Aesthetic and Laser Clinic at Wheelock.$80/mole and $200/IPL session. Bought their special sunblock at $40, antibacterial cream at $10 and total including GST... $354 :S
Strangest feeling ever, to be burnt. They applied a numbing cream for my mole first 20mins before, and then using this electric probe looking thing, Dr Chan slowly burnt away layer and bits of the mole for say less than 5 minutes? Every burn is a jolt and spark and lots of smoke, and the smell of my poor burnt skin. It's definitely more painful than facial extraction but... bearable if you focus on something else. It's a few sparks of more intense pain sometimes. Now all that's left is.. a burnt scar which will drop off in 7-10 days :)
IPL is worst i think. It's to zap away freckles, spots and may even work for moles. He said that if i try IPL, not only will my freckles be lightened or completely erased, the shallow moles will also drop off. Knowing that i have more than 6 on my face and cheeks filled with freckles, i did it. They applied this gel like thing first, and using some machine, they zapped quickly away and everything ended in 10 minutes. The light was blinding even when i closed my eyes, and although an individual zap is bearable, imagine a shower of blinding light jabs. More painful than lasering off moles IMO.
Abt 4 months ago when i first cut my hair, just to show how my freckles are before the treatment
Opps, i know i'm quite fair but this light is artificial room light at night. All the freckles darken
Will post another picture after it has recovered :)
Christmas Shopping
After all the madness and waiting at the aesthetic clinic, we went shopping! Bought 2 pairs of the softest ballet pumps from Far East, my favourite ballet shoe shop - A dark brown Dolly one, and a Grey one with the cutest bow in the middle of the feet, very pretty! =) Total: $44
A Topshop discounted basic tee in Purple. Total: $9
A Dorothy Perkins Silver soft hobo bag at 20% off. Total: $36
And with the laser and IPL stuff: $354
I'm the craziest spender ever. But it's Christmas right? Merry Christmas!!! :D
PS: My mum will pay for my laser and IPL, but i will have to pay for the nose mole removal if needed. Yaaay!
Note about Christmas
Christmas is not about shopping okay, nor is it about Santa, Gift giving or resting at home. Christmas is about Christ birth, that God had sent his Son on the very day (not 25th) as a baby born of a virgin Mary, to come to earth as a man to be with us and eventually, to die for our sins on the cross as a perfect man. Because he is sinless, he can redeem us from our sins. The only condition? Believe.
PPS: This hot chocolate from MaCafe will be perfect for me now *yummy*
Christmas, my favourite time of the year, and with December being the happiest month for me cos of the pretty xmas lights tinkering at night, the general happy festive generous mood lighting up the air and best of all, it's a holiday month! It spells the end of exams. :)
A most superficial way of putting down thoughts on paper, is to write a bizarre christmas wishlist of all the wants you've been thinking of. Such as these.
My Own Christmas Wish List:
1) Mole removal (may be fulfilled cos i'm going for a consultation with the derma on xmas eve!)
2) Teeth straightening and to take off possible offending wisdom teeth minus the hurt
3) Chanel Coco Mademoiselle 50ml (because i like variety)
4) Be 2kg lighter (actually 1 is good enough)
5) Kenny Rogers Roasted Chicken with corn and pasta salad as sides
6) A Spa treat with massage, scrub, bath
7) The most comfy pair of shoes that actually looks good and is affordable
8) For JADE to be reunited again
9) To have an unlimited F21/Topshop/River Island/Warehouse/Zara/Naf Naf credit card.
10) The perfect cup of zero calorie hot chocolate (:
PS: Did i mention, perfect eyesight?
What else?
My church xmas musical is tonight and i'm doing the makeup, pity all the friends i've asked can't go :(
**Posted this on an online forum so i thought i'll just put it here to share :) **
I just came back from bangkok 2 days ago. The place is as lovely for shopping but super congested, bad smoky hair that you feel like you can't breathe properly after a while outside. But still, i must say that it has been fabulous! I was at Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai for 5 days and 3 days in Bangkok.
LODGING
In BKK, i stayed at Diamond City Hotel. This small, cosy and warm hotel that has a nice lemongrass scent in the air. I love it! The people are friendly and helpful, always willing to provide tips on how to get to attractions and carrying your bags. It is located at the end of a small street and u'll have to walk all the way in (5-10mins) from Asia Hotel. The rooms are very clean, beds are comfortable, bath tubs and towels are provided. Amazingly, cos i travelled with my church group and we have 8 rooms, i realised that all the interior decor of the room and furniture are slightly different! Some rooms are bigger, some smaller, some have wardrobes some don't. Still, all the rooms are clean and nice.
The plus point abt the hotel is that because it is small, it has a warm atmosphere. They have a self service free drinks (orange juice, punch, water) and coffee, tea, hot water and biscuits counter 24hrs. There's a huge flat screen TV at the lounge too.. Breakfast is nice and there's a variety of asian and continental choices (typical breakfast has: Porridge, You Tiao, Toasts, Salad, Noodles, Rice, Veggies, sausage or ham)
It is a 20 minutes walk to MBK and Pratunam Center, but tuk tuk or taxis are about 40baht per trip. All in all, i stayed 2 nights there and i'm very happy with the service for such a price ($50 per night per room) There are abt 2-3 seven eleven within close proximity.
FOOD and SHOPPING
A walk out of the hotel will lead you to roadside stalls selling food, fruits, little knick knacks. Very flavourful atmosphere of night time bangkok. The roadside noodles stall with seats are reeeally good, i swear. Very yummy and cheap at abt 40baht or less. I realized that Thailand eateries always have 4 condiments at the table - sugar, fish maw, green chilli, chilli flakes. And i've learnt that a little bit of sugar really makes everything taste better, it's a combi of sweet and salty that i like. =)
Due to my limited time in Bangkok because its a church mission trip and we have other activities, shopping time is limited to 6-7hrs only. So i've only been to MBK, Platinum Mall and Pratunam Wholesale Mkt.
MBK (Mah Boon Kong in short)
The wholesome mall that sells everything! I love the 199baht shops selling bags and shoes. Some bags are really of poor quality so i didn't buy any except for the Le Sportsac inspired bags. I wish i bought some shoes but the reality is, they don't have my size! Grr. I'm a US 7.5, Charles n Keith 38 and they don't have it. They have limited pieces and sizes. :( In the end, the only stuff i bought at MBK are food (thai mango w glutinous rice dessert at 70baht), 2 Le Sportsac inspired bag and 4 Junkfood inspired tees. Tees are abt 150baht for ladies, 180baht for mens size. Don't go to proper shops, go to the "makeshift" stalls, they're cheaper cos proper shops quoted be 200+ baht per tee.
The only drawback? Its too BIG so make sure u get a mini directory that is available near huge escalators such as the one at L6.
PLATINUM MALL
My FAVOURITE shopping place in BKK but alas, they don't have the junkfood inspired soft tees.I thought of buying more at Platinum or Pratunam but i don't spot any.. very disappointed. Should have bought more at MBK. Instead, dresses and tunics are everywhere (EVERYTHING is embellished with fake gems :S think F21 inspired) and as this is a wholesale mall, they'll only give u a discount if u buy 2 or 3 pieces. In the end, i bought 5 dresses from 130baht to 200baht, everything less than 8bucks :) 3 pairs of shoes (nice wedges fr 230baht, sequin flats at 99baht), 1 huge luggage bag for my NYC trip next year for 1000baht (i bargained. She quoted 1600-1900 or something, and i said if she sells it for 1000 i will buy immediately, and she did).. a handful of bangles that are carved (quite ex, 160-180baht but the workmanship is good) and a few other things.
This has a better food selection than MBK i feel. Japanese set meals at S$3, meatball noodles at S$1.20 and all that, i love the food here. :)
The only drawback, it is VERY hard to bargain here. The people really insist on their wholesale prices. Buy 3 get wholesale price but buy 5 or 6..the price remains :(
PRATUNAM
I hate this place seriously. I was there in the afternoon so maybe thats why it is SO HOT, scorching sun, bad air and terrible ventilation. I saw those 3 for 150baht threadless inspired tees, but i didn't get them cos they are not really slim fitting. Everything here is quite cheap though, cheaper than Platinum but platinum is nicely aircon so i prefer it.
Didn't buy anything, some clothes have bad workmanship and in the end, after spending 30minutes, i headed back to Platinum mall.
EVERYTHING ELSE
I think Bkk airport (the new one) have yummy staff canteen food at super cheap prices!!! Can get a bowl of noodles + dessert for S$2 or less. Must buy the refundable coupons though.
Traffic is bad, worst on friday evenings or weekday evenings when ppl travel to or go home from work.
Tuk Tuks are a must try for short trip! 60baht for 2-3 ppl to seat from Platinum Mall to my hotel. Very fun, the driver was friendly and even helped us to take a pic. But be careful, there are scammers around. Always ask your hotel the av price tuk tuk will cost from the attraction cos when they first approached us, they quoted 100baht and we just walked away.
Chiang Mai have much cheaper stuff!! Bangles are cheaper, shopping is really cheaper, food cheaper too. :D
Hope this review helps, enjoy your trip!
PS: I flew to and fro via Air Asia and i love it! Took 4 flights throughout my trip and the flight attendants are always welcoming, seats are okay and is safe. Why pay more when u can spend the money for shopping? No flight entertainment so bring something to read or do. :) In flight food costs 60baht for 2 Mister Donut + 1 Ovaltine/Coffee. Quite cheap i will say, but do take your meals before u fly.
The last 8 days have been a closely packed, whirlwind of a ride through the rural towns of Chiang Rai - Maselong, Cha Fang, Mae Sai, Masela visiting Christian orphanages, student centers, training centers, drug rehabilitation centers and churches. And after getting used to the simple life, it's back to Bangkok for the crazy tourist thing - shopping,eating, walking and battling the exhaust fumed air and noisy honks of the congested city.
I have so much feelings and experiences from the Short mission trip, and i will save that for a later post when i've uploaded the pics. And i bought so much stuff in 6 hours of shopping in MBK, Platinum Mall and Pratunam.
5 dresses, 3 pairs of shoes, 4 bangles, 2 bags, 6 packets of Tao Kae Noi, 4 soft tees, 5 souvenirs for friends, and 12 pairs of toe socks, 1 huge luggage for me to bring to NYC. :D I'm not sure if i missed out anything, but i'm sooo happy with the buys. Will post the pictures at a later post too!
4 flights later via Air Asia, i'm back in the familiar, safe and vibrantly beautiful city of our Singapore.
Anyway, i have to rush cos i'm meeting Anna to peek around at Fash Bash flea market at St James' Powerhouse, and working for Sally Hansen as a manicurist at this Queen of Queens event at the same place.
Looking forward to meeting up with all my friends!!! Especially Anna, Cheng, FYDI, Jasper, Watson and spending lots of special time with my bf and his dogs. I'm even planning a small doggy party for his beagle Nash cos he turned 7 in September and none of us knew until i got my bf to hunt for the doggy birth certificate. All along, we thought he's 8 but he's only 7 so he's still young for parties! Haha. I don't know but i hope to get him to wear a small party hat at least, and buy a doggy cake...
Am not sure if the puppy poodle Cookie can join cos they haven't played together or seen each other without the glass blocking them. Afraid they may fight and bite each other or what. sigh, or it'll really be a doggy party!
OKaaays, i got to go to prepare for church makeup rehearsal for xmas musical, find clothes to wear to fash bash and work..........and enjoy my first official post-exam day in Singapore.
xoxo, principessa
My friend's friend is one of the missing five Singaporean dragon boaters when their boat capsized at the Cambodian dragon boat race two days ago. After 2 days, his body is finally found. And all the five missing have been found, not alive but drowned.
I don't know why, but after hearing about it, reading the news, and seeing how they actually look like from the newspaper, i just cried. I'm really sad over their demise, because they're so young, they looked so happy, full of life and vibrant in their pictures. I think about deeply saddened and full of grief their parents, friends, girlfriends will be, and i imagine how i will feel if one of the persons is someone i know and love. :(
How fragile life is, we often overestimate ourselves, we think that we're young and we shouldn't need to think about death because it is something far, far away. But alas, it is not so. It can be really near, it can happen to anyone, anytime. All these drowning accidents, jacuzzi pools accidents all makes me especially skeptical and scared of water. I know how to swim and float but waters can be so strong and dangerous, it was an unexpectedly huge current that overturned their boats, and pulled these strong young men under. How about that jacuzzi accident where this tall Caucasian man/and a young boy got sucked under and everyone is helplessly watching, unable to pull them out because the energy was sucking them in so strongly?
I think i now have a phobia of jacuzzi, swimming pools and the sea. I will still swim, but i'll stick to the side of the pool because i haven't swam for so long! I missed the feeling of water around, gently paddling about and floating. But i'll be more cautious of water now, really. Although the boat marina choice is first on my work n travel list, i hope and pray that nothing will happen during my time there. Cos i'll be staying on a big boat, serving passengers food, checking them into rooms, changing bedsheets and all that kind of thing.
But one thing we can be sure of, is that everything that happens and will happen is part of God's plans. We may not understand why He meant for it to be, or why He can seem so cruel, but we have to trust Him because we can't see the big picture, we don't know how it may be a blessing elsewhere. If i ever pass away one day before my time, suddenly, i hope that I will be with God... so that I will be able to see my loved ones there too, some other day. And I hope and pray I will see all of them, and we'll be together again.
