Our New Addiction

Gran Centenario Añejo!!! It's all K's fault why did he introduce us to this. I think we're turning into lushes (especially hubs haha). We had the most delicious margaritas down at K's place a couple weeks ago. The secret apparently is in the tequila used. You have to get the good stuff. No more cheap Jose Cuervo crap from college parties. Craving some, we raced down to the liquor store last Friday night right before closing time to grab a bottle. It was even on sale at only $45! Nice.

Anyway we've been having these damn margaritas almost every night now. The tequila is so smooth, you barely even taste it (I don't know if that's the point since you can drink it on the rocks, but whatever I'm no connoisseur), and no hangovers or headaches either. Very nice. Oh and an added benefit is you end up sleeping like a baby, like you've taken Nyquil or something. :) Niceeeeeeee

Our home made margaritas. That bar set I bought hubs for his b'day sure comes in handy now.

Boston's Best Korean BBQ

I don't usually write about our food forays since I always forget my camera when we go out. It also makes me feel kinda nerdy snapping away at the food. This time though, I managed to get some photos!

We headed up to New Jung Su BBQ in Burlington for dinner on Friday night. We used to frequent Koreana in Cambridge for our Korean fix but we haven't been back since J took us to this new place. The food is as good as that at Koreana but it's out in the burbs so there isn't the hassle of parking and the long wait. Well actually Koreana has a more extensive menu but the BBQ items are comparable. We had the Kalbi, some spicy pork thingy, both cooked at the table, and the tofu chigae. The Kalbi was excellent! The spicy pork was alright, we'll have to stick to the beef next time.

Looks yum right? The spicy pork is in the foil:


I love variety. The little sides dishes are the highlight for me:


A painting on the wall, I thought it was cool since it features my favorite POM wonderful pomergranates (very high in anti oxidants!). Though the damn birds seem to be enjoying it. Weird....


They don't have a liquor license, but I believe you can byob.

Christmas Catalog 2006?

Check out what hubs made with our spare (almost busted) laptop - a live updating photo frame/display for our living room! It tells time, date, weather, traffic with live updates, and rotates photos from our Flickr feed. He was quite dissapointed when I wasn't floored when I saw it, but hey see I am, I am blogging about it!

Anyway the desktop uses Konfabulator (some new software don't ask me to explain, I can't) and pulls in info from different websites (wait correction, he says it's widgets... butwhatever). I really think we should sell this to Neiman Marcus to display alongside LV trunks, and private jets, in their ostentatious christmas catalog. :)

Shoes Shoes and more Shoes

Read recently that Condoleeza Rice was seen shopping for shoes at a Ferragamo boutique in NYC, a couple days after hurricane Katrina hit. Of course a big brouhaha ensued. Duh ... the woman should take a lesson or 2 from me. Sweetheart take your shoe shopping online ...

Speaking of which, I finally received the shoes I got from the Neiman Marcus online sale last week. I managed to snag a pair of Burberry Dr. Scholls for only $50 (marked down from $150) and also a pair of Delman D'orsay pumps with free shipping! Woohoo! I also wanted the Via Spiga Spectator pumps for $50 but sadly they were sold out by the time I got home to make my second order (hah). Do that many people shop online? Are there really that many psycho shopper like me out there? *sigh* Nothing makes me feel happier than a good bargain! :) BTW Condi they had Ferragmos too! And all for less than $100

Moxie checking out my new shoes. She better not chew on them if she knows what's good for her !!!

South Park Me

Say hello to South Park me, so sweet yet so deadly.


Say hello to South Park hubs. It really looks like him!


Wanna create your own? Click here. I guarantee hours of fun!

I Need a Maid

Our apt is a freaking dump. It looks like someone ransacked the entire place. The good news though is that we don't have to worry about burglars coming in. HAH. But one can only tolerate the mess for so long. Spent the better part of the weekend cleaning. I am so proud of myself. Check out the vast difference. I promise I didn't stuff all the junk on the bed into the closet or something lame like that. :)

Guest Room Before and After


Much as I'd like to blame the mess on the dog, the hubs, etc. I'll have to admit, I'm just not very good at keeping my place neat and tidy. I used to have an obstacle path leading to my bed in college and sometimes I couldn't locate the other side of my shoes. Now is anyone able to make me feel better by showing that their place is worst off than mine? :) (guess it's doubtful but the challenge is on)

Who Let the Dogs Out?

Who who who who .... Being psycho dog lovers, we drove down to NJ last weekend to meet Pasha, my cousin's new German Shepard puppy. He turned out to be the sweetest pup who loves collapsing by your feet. Awwww.... and he's only 3months old so his ears haven't stood up fully yet. Right now they're kinda crazy looking making him even cuter!

Moxie and Pasha posing for the camera:


You can see more Pasha photos here. Check out his too big paws. They are surprisingly soft compared to Moxie's. I love big paw paws. Saturday was also baby E's first birthday party! He's seen here with his grandma (my aunt). Isn't he such a cutie pie?


The rest of the weekend was spent lounging around the house with the dogs, though we did manage to drive into the city (which was surprisingly empty) and hung out with some old friends who used to live in Boston. Why has everyone moved to NYC? *sniff*

Late to the Durai Party

We received an email at work today about the company matching donations made to the Red Cross for hurricane relief. Feeling really bad for the poor Katrina victims who've lost everything, I reached for my credit card to make a donation. I mean which Singaporean can resist a good bargain right? My donation will be worth even more!

I mentioned this to hubs who then made a jab at how I better be sure the CEO isn't getting overpaid like the infamous Durai! Curiosity stirred, I did some research and learned that the Red Cross CEO, Marsha Evans, is paid US$450k a year.

Ah hah, now I've heard some arguments that people are just jealous Durai is getting paid so well, that running a large organization like the NKF is really tough and you gotta pay the best man for the job and blah blah blah. But let's do the math here.

Durai
Salary: US$360k
NKF Program Expenses: US$4.8 million
% Salary: 8.4%

vs

Evans
Salary: US$450k
Red Cross Program Expenses: US$2.8 Billion
% Salary: 0.02%

Tadah!!! Confirm overpaid!! This Marsha woman is running an organization with expenditure of over USD$ 3 billion. And Durai?? Using the Red Cross as a rough guideline, he should only get SGD$137,600 a year. Sounds reasonable, it's more than 10k a month ok. Not like he will have to pimp out his kids or anything. Come to think of it, it's not really be his fault except for the lying part. Now who were the fucktards who decided to pay him that much in the first place???

Bargain Hunter

Yay my new Charles David shoes from Amazon finally arrived! Who knew that Amazon sells shoes too eh? The best part is I got them for $30 marked down from at least a $100!! So cheap right? Free shipping too muahahha. Very pleased with my purchase. It's been a while since I've done any shopping. Was too obsessed with wedding planning and became quite frumpy for a while. But I'm back on track!

Love the shoes, only dissapointing thing is that it's made in china (but what do you expect for $30). Stuff made in china just seems so mass produced and of poor workmanship. Apparently many companies are moving their operations to China due to lower cost. Of course the savings aren't passed on to us consumers. What were you thinking? Duh! It's hard to find mid-range designer shoes/bags not made in China for less than $300! Kate Spade, Cole Haan, Coach ... all made in china!! **@*#!! ... but back to the shoes.

So cute! And the heels make my legs look longer :)

Park Review

They say that people with kids or dogs know all the best parks in the area. The latter is certainly true for us. Having had Moxie for a while now, we've toured most of the parks in the vincinity. And just when we thought there weren't any more left to explore, we discovered another favorite today! The little Reservoir Park off Route 9 in Chestnut Hill. There's a nice path with plenty of benches and trash cans (very important so you don't have to carry the poop with you) that go all the way around the water. It was breezy, shadey, and so picturesque that we decided to go back in the afternoon for a little picnic. Here's a photo from our excursion:

Notice she's drooling. She desperately wants her treat.


These are the other parks in the area. Let me know if there're others we left out:

1.Arnold Arboretum - In Jaimaca Plain. It's a huge park covering over 250 acres but I didn't find it particularly spectacular. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is much better. haha

2. Boston Commons - Nice place to people watch and for Moxie to meet the city dogs! Cons are that it's hard to find parking.

3. Bowen Playground - Good for daily walks since it's right across the road.

4. Cold Spring Park - A favorite since it's close to our place and dogs can run off leash. There's also a doggy playgroup in the afternoons for the lazy.

5. Chestnut Hill Reservoir - Near Boston College. Parts of the trail is a dirt path. Reservoir Park is way nicer!

6. Reservoir Park - Our new favorite. Great for jogging or catching some rays.

Dum dum dee dum

They're finally ready. We finally received CDs of our professionally taken photos from my dad by mail last week. See there are reasons why I haven't been blogging in a while. I've more important things to do like mull over my photos!

Initially I was really dissapointed with the photos because our photographer neglected to take shots of our wedding programs and confetti packets. We put so much time and effort into designing and making those ourselves. I've been bitching and moaning about it for days. So I'm kinda feeling sick of the topic. But today I am feeling slightly generous and will say that for the record I am quite satisfied with the rest of the photos he's taken. *gasp*

Based on my pre wedding shots and wedding day photography experience, I've learnt that choosing the right photographer can only do so much to guarantee the quality of your photos. Yes, I hear you bridezillas out there going ... what you mean it's the luck of the draw? It also depends on a variety of factors like whether the photographer is on form that day or if he's got an inspiration block. It's similar to being an artist. Got mojo = good day. No mojo = bad. Choosing the right photographer will only mean that you'll have a higher likelihood of getting better photos over some amateur who might be a hit or miss. I've seen photos from 'so called' good wedding photographers that were kinda blah.

So if I could do it all over again. I would get 2 good photographers :) and hedge my risks. Great idea eh? Why didn't I think of this before? *sob* Muahahhahhah ... I bet hubs is soo glad that we won't be doing this again.

One of my favorite shots:


What's a wedding without the kiss:


You can see the rest of our photos here.

Dear Gahment, Why Can't I Vote?

Triggered by tribolum's post I read on tomorrow.sg and the presidential election fiasco in Singapore, I must say that while it's outrageous most Singaporeans don't get to vote because of the lack of candidates, it is even worst when others don't even qualify based on some other criteria (i.e. me and hubs). I looked up the elections.gov web site today and was stunned to find that I didn't meet the requirements because I had been out of the country for more than 3 out of the last 5 years. Say what???

Holy schmoly is that really grounds for having your right taken away from you? What have I done to deserve this? Afterall, I am a good, polite Singaporean citizen, with a red passport, pink IC, and a spanking good command of singlish. I don't litter, I am over 21(don't ask), I read the Straits Times daily (ok ok only before they started charging), I have good personal hygiene,I am kiasu, kiasi, though I must admit to my one vice, chewing gum.

According to these rules, if you live overseas you must either be i)a scholar ii) gahment henchman or iii) diplomat to be worthy of a vote. Which leaves out us not so privileged folk. See for yourself:

You must have resided in Singapore for an aggregate of two years during the period of five years of being away as of the cut-off date of the Registers of Electors; OR

on full-time training or full-time service abroad as a member of the Singapore Armed Forces, or as a public officer or an employee of a Singapore public authority;

on full-time training which is sponsored by the Singapore Government or any Singapore public authority;

employed outside Singapore by an international organisation of which Singapore is a member, or any other organisation designated by the President under the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore;

Could it be because ...
a) I'm not smart enough? Only stupid people study or work overseas, unless of course they're on a gahment scholarship.
b) I'm a quitter and quitters don't deserve this privilege.
c) Or maybe like Gardenia bread, being Singaporean has an expiry date.

Honeymoon Series Part I - Bali

After all the wedding madness, we managed to sneak in a short 3-day getaway for a mini-honeymoon. Ok I call it the mini honeymoon because it was too short and I feel jibbed. We need another honeymoon, or a series. (hint hint) :)

Perhaps my expectations were too high. Hotel Nikko where we stayed was quite mediocre (though the Ritz was probably a hard act to follow). Now I wish we'd stayed somewhere else, like ALila or The Four Seasons (thanks for the rec Gabby, it's too late now) but alas since all our plans were made last minute we weren't able to do much research. We don't even have a Lonely Planet Bali guidebook that we so faithfully buy for each trip. No one to blame but us!

I was surprised by how quiet Bali was. Kuta, the supposed tourist hub, seemed rather lifeless, so was Jimbaran Bay where we went for seafood. It could be because tourism is down as a result of the Bali bombings, the place just isn't as vibrant anymore. Besides lazing by the beach, we also went snorkeling. Though most of the time I was trying not to get washed away by the currents which were pretty strong. The water wasn't that clear either, though we did get to see an assortment of tropical, brightly colored fish that came up to eat bread from your hands.

Our hotel room:


At the beach:

100 Years

I love the photo montage that hubs dearest created for our wedding. It's set to my favorite Five for Fighting song. I must have watched it a gazillion bazillion times but I never pass up an opportunity to watch it yet again. Too bad the song was recently cheapened in some stupid commercial on channel 5. Damnit I discovered it first ok!

For those of you who want to see our very very adorable baby photos so nicely arranged in the montage again (hah), we've uploaded the file so you can view the montage here. Be sure to download Flash 8 before viewing the montage since it contains embedded videos. The absolute latest technology. Would you expect any less from hubs? This is all just a teaser for when we actually get our wedding video and photos! Meanwhile I am desperately trying to relive the moment through photos from our friend's cameras. The wedding was so much fun ... can we do it again?

PS: Pardon the timing in the montage. For some reason the photos cycle at the correct frequency only on hub's computer. Flash is flakey!

I was born with a full head of hair


I can touch my toes

Surprise!

Awww my co-workers threw a little surprise wedding parteh for me with champagne and all. I should have been tipped off by that 4pm meeting on a friday. *#*! But I digress ... wasn't that so sweet of them. More importantly I got a nice $120 gift certificate from Bed Bath and Beyond. A great gift too since I already know what I want. A cool Zojiroshi neuro fuzzy rice cooker! Just in time too since our existing rice cooker is busted with a capital B. Everyone seems to be raving about this rice cooker and being the kiasu lemming that I am ..I want one too! Features I'm looking forward to:

• No more scrubbing the pot ... always have to do that with our existing cheapo rice cooker! Rice at the bottom doesn't burn and stick
• Timer so you can come home to warm rice! (ok ok who am I kidding I probably won't use it. But it just looks so nice and cool!)

Only problem though is the same rice cooker at BBB cost more than at amazon. Hrmmm wonder if they do price matches?

Damn Fools

I am seriously dealing with twits and nitwits. I write an email to my Bridal Salon yesterday telling them I would like to see photos of my gown before going back. Is this really so unreasonable? As a personal touch (since I know the assistant reads the mail) I say the following:

"Considering the fact that I can't see the dress in person, this is the best plan and would make me feel a lot better. I'm nervous about coming back to a gown I haven't seen, that cannot be modified, I'm sure you understand that being a recent bride yourself."

(All I am asking is for the gown to be complete 1 week before I arrive, and for photos to be taken just incase changes need to be made.)

So get this. The beyotch assistent starts off her reply by telling me to relax!! Then goes on to lecture me on how I should have 100% trust in the designer whilst relating her own pathetic story of how she didn't even see her gown till 2 weeks before her wedding because she had so much confidance in her designer! So what, now I am the unreasonable, neurotic one??? Such f'ing b**crap. I really hate when people have blind faith. Sure your gown designer might be able to guide you on what works or doesn't work for you, though they aren't always right! No wonder I see so many photos of brides who look like f'ing train wrecks. Oh and btw dear assistant, I don't really give a rat's ass for your opinion. I was only saying it to be nice.

Oh and she ends off by saying 'no offense'. F'king A I hate hate hate when people. Such hypocrisy...you sure know what they really think when they say something like that. Oh and I haven't even started on our wedding coordinator yet...

The Mox and the Sea

To escape the sweltering 90 degree heat, we decided to take puppy on a road trip to Rockport,MA. You see we don't have air conditioning in our apartment and we figured the nice cool air conditioned car would be a good change from our stuffy apartment! We've actually been to Rockport several times before though never in the summer time.

Thanks to me we got lost finding the town center and somehow stumbled upon the Halibut Point State Park. This park is pretty cool as it used to be a granite quarry (unfortunately no swimming is allowed inside). The trail also leads to the beach, though don't expect the traditional sandy beach. The flat smooth rocks go all the way into the water. Very cool! Puppy got her first taste of the ocean. She seemed somewhat apprehensive as she stepped into the water. She even tried to sit down but then her furry butt got all wet. So cute ... indeed Retriever she is not ;)

Me and puppy enjoying the cool sea water as it swept over our feet/paws:


After our little hike we headed to Bearskin Neck for food. They've got such yummy treats there, but that's for another post. Here's a picture teaser.

Puppy barking at the huge orange buoy at the town center:

Sparklies

Last weekend, we finally decided it was time to stop procrastinating and head to the Chestnut Hill mall in search of a wedding band for yours truely. We'd previously stopped by Tiffany's and unfortunately (or fortunately for the fiance) none of the rings there were to my liking. In the past couple months we'd also checked out a couple other stores but nothing I liked. I knew I wanted something sparkly with diamonds but most of ones I'd seen were too gaudy for my little E.T. fingers. Though it seems that trend in the US is towards bling. :p

Our first stop was Shreve Crump and Low. They had the best selection of rings I'd seen so far and the one ring I was looking for! A micro pave diamond eternity band!! I was really dissapointed when the lady told me that since it was an eternity band it would take 4-6 weeks for them to custom make one in my size. (We are leaving for SG in less than 3 weeks) The nice lady however managed to have the order expedited. So yay now I'll get to pick up my ring before I leave! :)

Reasons why I love this ring. Since I'll be wearing it with my e-ring, it's not too gaudy and doesn't draw away attention from the main diamond. It's also pretty enough to wear it on its own. Oooh sparkley ... I likey!

A similar band from Bluenile:

The BEST Wedding Gift!

Dear ins, I apologize for all the complaints I've had about you. You are not slow, you are not inefficient, your employees do not sit around all day and snack on bonbons. They do not take 3 weeks off during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and July fourth. Thank you for sending us our long awaited green card today. Thank you for not making us stand in line with the other aliens at customs :). We promise to make good use of it on our way back from SG in July.

As every true FOB knows, the green card journey is a long one fraught with many perils. Your company might stop sponsoring petitions, your labor cert might be rejected, you might be laid off, the process can take years. The list goes on. Hypothetically, now I can get fired, I can switch jobs, I can move to a different state, I can go back to school. Woohoo! The wealth of options! Now how shall we celebrate ... oh and more importantly what am I to do now that I can't bitch and moan about our gc anymore???

Supersize Me

I walk into a meeting last week and I hear "and MINI she probably doesn't even eat'. Throughout the rest of the meeting I tried to give her the look of death. See I am sick of this kind of talk coming from people. Just because I am not grossly obese does not mean I don't have a healthy appetite. I get all these snide comments from people and its really starting to irritate me. Here's a sampling:

- Oh you ate a whole cookie? that is like me eating a whole cake (yeah thanks, you're quite a beast?!)
- Uh oh you're going to get fat on that piece of cake (substitute with brownie, chocolate, cookie etc.) (thanks?!)

Hey this seems like reverse discrimination. Now its ok to make fun of the person who isn't fat? Do people actually think a comment like this is a compliment? Can they not contain their jealousy? Am I over reacting? Fiance thinks I am. Now can someone help me think of a good comeback?? All I can do now is give a lame fake smile.

Disclaimer: I am of a normal weight. I'm not even considered thin in asia. I wear a medium. I also eat a lot (though slowly). Sometimes I scare myself with how much I can eat. Fiance never fails to remind me that the portions I eat are the same as his. And he's 160lbs (the last time he weighted *chuckles*). I think he wants my left overs.