One of the conversations today.
Me telling my mummy: I try knocking the door. Bro can't hear thus, doesn't come open the door.
Bro: I try knocking the door. You ALSO can't hear!!!
Mummy and I burst out laughing, me admitting defeat.
But bro, thanks for the lunch treat and company today. I'm happy enough, though not showered with a birthday present. I'll accept that free jar!
The trials and triumphs of a trigger happy girl
16 December 2015
He leads the way
Two days ago on 14th Dec, I went out with Dave. Again!
I did not know that we were shopping CUM cafe-hopping. Blame on my mummy for pretending to be me when texting him without me knowing. He told me not to bring my camera. I only knew that I was just accompanying him on his shopping spree at Bugis Street, one of his top favourite hang-outs for clothes. And he actually offered to buy me a grey crop shirt as my birthday gift. (: Thank you, Dave!! I never have a light grey shirt in my cupboard. In my mind, I was running through many pants whatever length they are, trying to see if there are any to match my grey shirt. Thankfully, there are plenty to match, including the jewelleries mummy recently bought for me!
Around an hour later, we took the bus down to Toby's Estate cafe. Did not know why air-con was not switched on. Maybe in preparation for the closing time? We decided on just two cups of coffee. There were no food selling or because they were closing for a night thus, just drinks alone. My cup of Mocha's bitterness was a little more than what I could take. $6. If I were to order decaf, it would be $7. The timing was around 4pm, not a good timing for coffee, especially those who end up wide awake at night which is me. But I had to close one eye because of tight budget. Once mocha arrived on the table, I noticed the uniqueness in their latte art. One of the most beautiful designs!
You know what I did next? Click, click, click!!! This time, I tried not to use flat lay angle. It has become a boring angle to me. It is not easy thinking of different angles every time you take out your camera in preparation for some decent shots.
Yeah, I was using his Olympus camera the whole day. Every time I use his camera, I am always excited. I am always looking forward to what his new camera can do even though it is not a prime lens yet. I now very much appreciate wide lens and for its capabilities of capturing the surroundings and exterior surroundings. Every time I use it, I learn a thing or two. Guilty as I am, I often forget that it is NOT my camera but his! It is like a new camera I just bought. It is lighter than my camera. I think Olympus is a good brand. One thing I dislike is how the camera shakes very slightly when I click. My camera is more stable! So I have to really, really steady my hands and pushing up shutter speed for better stability when using his.
Photography aside, we went to P.S cafe. When we made an entrance, I was swept off the floor with the ambience, the utensils, shiny wine bottles, seats and colours of the exterior design. A big Christmas tree was not one to be missed! I went on a solo quick tour around the cafe, clicking away, leaving poor Dave to wait for Lasagna to be served.
We ate. We talked. We laughed. I am so glad we made the right decision to share Lasagna (it tasted different from the usual yet acceptable) and fries. In fact, I somehow surprised myself by picking fries and bringing them to my mouth. I do not eat fries! To be more specific, I CAN eat them but not when they are too crispy. I was trying to help Dave finish it. P.S cafe pricing is quite steep. But food are worthy coming for second serving. The place is quiet at night. Nice and dim ambience. Yellow ceiling lights. Warm and classy. Its temperature was nearly perfect. A little like a candlelight dinner. I was already missing mummy, wishing she was with us. Because I think she would like the ambience as well. And she would have been very delighted to bump into one of her closest friends there.
Photography aside, we went to P.S cafe. When we made an entrance, I was swept off the floor with the ambience, the utensils, shiny wine bottles, seats and colours of the exterior design. A big Christmas tree was not one to be missed! I went on a solo quick tour around the cafe, clicking away, leaving poor Dave to wait for Lasagna to be served.
We ate. We talked. We laughed. I am so glad we made the right decision to share Lasagna (it tasted different from the usual yet acceptable) and fries. In fact, I somehow surprised myself by picking fries and bringing them to my mouth. I do not eat fries! To be more specific, I CAN eat them but not when they are too crispy. I was trying to help Dave finish it. P.S cafe pricing is quite steep. But food are worthy coming for second serving. The place is quiet at night. Nice and dim ambience. Yellow ceiling lights. Warm and classy. Its temperature was nearly perfect. A little like a candlelight dinner. I was already missing mummy, wishing she was with us. Because I think she would like the ambience as well. And she would have been very delighted to bump into one of her closest friends there.
The only regret is that I should have dressed better that day.
One more day to my birthday.
14 December 2015
Our first time at the flea market
Today is such a fun day, just mummy and me. We had Pontan Noodles for lunch at Star Vista. It was our first time in there. Jalaned a bit while waiting for rain to subside. Finally, we made a move to the bus stop. As we waited for the bus, the rain got heavier. We were supposed to explore Portsdown Road but the heavy downpour though expected made us change our initial plan. We instead rode the bus that went in a loop back to One North MRT station. We managed to snap landmarks and some good spots by memory throughout the bus ride.
While on the move from One North to Bugis station, we chatted and snapchatted away. We laughed so much. We were fighting over my phone while on the way to the tapping machines. Like two crazy ladies. I felt people's stares on us, thinking I was being abused by mummy. I hoped our laughter showed that we were merely playing and that the unnecessary misunderstanding was not formed. We even played a bit of chase and catch at the station which we ended up feeling so embarrassed when we realised our age.
Honestly, there's never a day without laughter with mummy. We are really two happy pills.
I finally convinced mummy to come with me to the flea market at F1 pit stop by telling her that she could use it as a chance to buy me a birthday present.
Entered the flea market empty handed. Two hours later, we exited with three pouches with each necklace inside, a minimalist ring and coffee in our tummies. The prices are reasonable, thankfully. Many lovely jewelleries, some kitchen appliances, craft and prints (I super love their prints! But I do not see the need to have them just for the sake of wall decoration or wear). Mummy bought me two necklaces and I returned the favour by buying her one too. She always looks gorgeous in anything silver!
I am really very glad we still went to the market despite the fitful drizzle. I can see that mummy enjoyed the day as much as I did! Thank you mummy for great company!
While on the move from One North to Bugis station, we chatted and snapchatted away. We laughed so much. We were fighting over my phone while on the way to the tapping machines. Like two crazy ladies. I felt people's stares on us, thinking I was being abused by mummy. I hoped our laughter showed that we were merely playing and that the unnecessary misunderstanding was not formed. We even played a bit of chase and catch at the station which we ended up feeling so embarrassed when we realised our age.
Honestly, there's never a day without laughter with mummy. We are really two happy pills.
I finally convinced mummy to come with me to the flea market at F1 pit stop by telling her that she could use it as a chance to buy me a birthday present.
Entered the flea market empty handed. Two hours later, we exited with three pouches with each necklace inside, a minimalist ring and coffee in our tummies. The prices are reasonable, thankfully. Many lovely jewelleries, some kitchen appliances, craft and prints (I super love their prints! But I do not see the need to have them just for the sake of wall decoration or wear). Mummy bought me two necklaces and I returned the favour by buying her one too. She always looks gorgeous in anything silver!
I am really very glad we still went to the market despite the fitful drizzle. I can see that mummy enjoyed the day as much as I did! Thank you mummy for great company!
29 July 2015
A day with my parents
Today was an awesome day with just my parents. We went out to try the Singapore's best Chwee Kueh. I recalled being asked by my colleague if I wanted some Chwee Kueh for brekkie but I said no, not knowing what food it was. Behind his back, I embarrassingly googled for its images. I immediately recognised it as one of my family's favourite food.
Then two Sundays ago, I was so hungry. Knowing I would very likely fall asleep during sermons without starting off my day with breakfast, I reluctantly gave in to Chwee Kueh. Many times, I usually grimaced when I was asked by parents to try it. I also stopped eating ginseng pills since my holiday started. Now I can survive without pills with no problem. YAY!
Never did I know I would fall heads over heels with it. I thought it was the best Chwee Kueh ever like a naive person! I told mummy with delight that it was one of the best brekkie the church ever served!
Next, I asked mummy about it! She then promised to bring me to a place to try the best Chwee Kueh which was at Bedok Hawker Centre. I was so excited!! I planned to bring my camera along.
But in the end, I totally forgot. Thinking it was too late for Chwee Kueh as mummy and I just finished tidying art stuff and the plumber had not left our house, and it was already afternoon. I predicted the outing will be cancelled.
I was wrong! The outing was still on. We left the house without my camera. I was not sad for being absent-minded. In fact, I couldn't wait to try the famous Chwee Kueh! I have my phone to photograph anyway!
The taste of it finally hit my taste buds. Un un unbelievably and amazingly delicious! I was in love with it all over again! The taste between Bedok Chwee Kueh and my church Chwee Kueh is very distinguishable! Bedok's chai poh is fragrant, sweet and perfectly steamed! It melted slowly as I chewed. Their kueh is soft and smooth. A perfect combination! I have finally found the answer to why it is widely popular with locals. Because my family is absolutely fond of Chwee Kueh and patronises them whenever they are in Bugis, Chinatown or Bedok. I really regret for not being bold enough to try it. For the past 9 years, I have missed out too many chances to try it.
I will be coming back for more! But upon hearing from papa that it is actually salty and oily, I know I can only come when I happen to be in Bedok, Chinatown and Bugis.
Gotta be more willing to try more local food from now on!!!
Then two Sundays ago, I was so hungry. Knowing I would very likely fall asleep during sermons without starting off my day with breakfast, I reluctantly gave in to Chwee Kueh. Many times, I usually grimaced when I was asked by parents to try it. I also stopped eating ginseng pills since my holiday started. Now I can survive without pills with no problem. YAY!
Never did I know I would fall heads over heels with it. I thought it was the best Chwee Kueh ever like a naive person! I told mummy with delight that it was one of the best brekkie the church ever served!
Next, I asked mummy about it! She then promised to bring me to a place to try the best Chwee Kueh which was at Bedok Hawker Centre. I was so excited!! I planned to bring my camera along.
But in the end, I totally forgot. Thinking it was too late for Chwee Kueh as mummy and I just finished tidying art stuff and the plumber had not left our house, and it was already afternoon. I predicted the outing will be cancelled.
I was wrong! The outing was still on. We left the house without my camera. I was not sad for being absent-minded. In fact, I couldn't wait to try the famous Chwee Kueh! I have my phone to photograph anyway!
The taste of it finally hit my taste buds. Un un unbelievably and amazingly delicious! I was in love with it all over again! The taste between Bedok Chwee Kueh and my church Chwee Kueh is very distinguishable! Bedok's chai poh is fragrant, sweet and perfectly steamed! It melted slowly as I chewed. Their kueh is soft and smooth. A perfect combination! I have finally found the answer to why it is widely popular with locals. Because my family is absolutely fond of Chwee Kueh and patronises them whenever they are in Bugis, Chinatown or Bedok. I really regret for not being bold enough to try it. For the past 9 years, I have missed out too many chances to try it.
I will be coming back for more! But upon hearing from papa that it is actually salty and oily, I know I can only come when I happen to be in Bedok, Chinatown and Bugis.
Gotta be more willing to try more local food from now on!!!
 |
| Location: Bedok Hawker Centre |
Spent a short time at Toastbox with mummy before we headed home. Yes, I drank the local iced coffee and it is only my second time in 21 years! Tried it with papa a year back. And I love it! Maybe I'm becoming an aunt... No more cafes to save money.
15 June 2015
Changes
 |
| Taken from Internet |
Papa would order a cup of coffee there every morning before Hans and Grasso were built. I would also accompany him to Starbucks to learn basic English. He always believed that having a strong foundation of English is a must. Although I have sipped his coffee when I was young, I never really liked it. I did not know how to appreciate traditional coffee. He also spent some quality time at Starbucks meeting old and new friends over coffee.
When I heard that Starbucks was going under some changes, I was upset. It meant no more comfortable chairs where I loved to sit. And our favourite table was located perfectly with half the share of sunlight streaming from the glass and artificial light. The second change was not as cosy as before. Papa also stopped frequenting Starbucks, and had moved to Hans. Then moved to Grasso. Just when Grasso decided to stop business, Toastbox is then located at newly renovated Eastpoint. Perfect timing!
Looking at the brand new Eastpoint and not being able to recognise it after more than a year of waiting, I am not so satisfied with the choices of stores the construction workers or whoever is in charge of stores made. I felt that they are merely trying to squeeze in as many stores as they could with the new expansion size. The stores seem to target more on older shoppers rather than young shoppers. There are more food outlets than fashion outlets. I feel that KFC does not necessarily be so big! What shocks me the most is that KFC now has a small cafe, rarely seen elsewhere thus, eating up extra space which is more worth investing in Starbucks. But I do not see much business going there. See how Starbucks is being squeezed in the end. Poor Starbucks! However, the seats are now more inviting, phew!
But what to complain when there is Starbucks?? (; Because I cannot live without it.
25 February 2015
There is always something holding you back
During today's drawing lesson, I did something that I have never done before and it is for my art project. Something I never reveal to anyone yet I'm exposing it through art. I am not sure if I am doing the right thing. Actually I am excited yet nervous to see the process that is just starting to unfold. So, art, I say, is an interesting yet scary subject. Art has a grey area as well.
In conclusion, I really take my hat off to many amazing and courageous artists who take big steps to convey their messages through art performances, sculptures, films, usage of materials, drawings, paintings of self portraits.
Yes, the theme for drawing project is to depict the self portrait of me.
#selfieonmyown #gettingsmartandcreative #diditonmyown #selftimer #goodlucktome
In conclusion, I really take my hat off to many amazing and courageous artists who take big steps to convey their messages through art performances, sculptures, films, usage of materials, drawings, paintings of self portraits.
Yes, the theme for drawing project is to depict the self portrait of me.
#selfieonmyown #gettingsmartandcreative #diditonmyown #selftimer #goodlucktome
01 January 2015
A milestone
21.
Time flies.
21 years of hard work, torture, sweat yet emerging with joy, happiness and a sense of achievement. All those done with God's grace and strength. Without Him, I'm just nothing.
Most of all, I'm really very grateful to be alive on this beautifully imperfect earth. Reaching 21 is really my parents' biggest achievement for their hard work, love and care have paid off. They taught me so many life values such as humility.
So far, many things happened this year.
Yeah, I guess these are what have happened this year and I'm thankful I enjoyed every moment of it.
This year, I learnt to be humble even with my expanding career. I learnt many things and tips about photography. I continued to take photos. I continued to laugh in the midst of storms. I tried my best to be more open to ideas. I managed to see all my assignments to completion without giving up, even with tighter deadlines. There actually was a time that I finally broke down due to intense stress with my graphic novel. But I had fun crafting a story out of just 4 pages of "Me and My Beautiful Toes" which I have a personal connection with. I learnt there are mutual people who actually appreciate my paintings. There are thousands of times I doubted they were well-painted. I have no connection with my brushes, let alone correctly mix colours. So I was very surprised when my friend said she would like to buy one. Yes, I admit it was a good one. GOOD only! But selling to her, it was like "Wow, my painting is really good that she loves it so much uh?!" As a result, lecturers and friends/family think and voice astonishingly different. I'm slowly overcoming my fear in presenting my works during critique sessions. Now that I'm more familiar with such sessions, I hope to better my presentation skills.
So far, many things happened this year.
- Attended LASALLE Open House but as a student
- My 1st job as an events photographer at Adrenalin
- Went for my 1st Orphanage visit at Kovan with my bestie
- My 1st client for her parents' anniversary party
- My 1st few artworks sold to new clients
- LASALLE assessment is over!!!
- My photography work got selected for exhibition!!!
- Attended my 1st POP event
- Attended The Purple Parade event for the 2nd time
- BFF outings
- Uncle Phillip and my family outings
- Witnessed as a photographer at my mummy's amazing 50th birthday party
- Turned 21 (!!!)
- Got my first polaroid camera (actually two so I'm extremely blessed and touched)
- Shared my family testimony at other churches
- Song-signed "Signing Hands" with mummy again
- Best of all, I spend time with my new prime lens (They are amazing ones, I tell you!!!)
- Experimenting with my upgraded additional bounce flash. My camera bag is getting heavier now. But am very thankful for lighter lens
- Launched a Facebook page "The Captured Moments" this mid-month
Yeah, I guess these are what have happened this year and I'm thankful I enjoyed every moment of it.
This year, I learnt to be humble even with my expanding career. I learnt many things and tips about photography. I continued to take photos. I continued to laugh in the midst of storms. I tried my best to be more open to ideas. I managed to see all my assignments to completion without giving up, even with tighter deadlines. There actually was a time that I finally broke down due to intense stress with my graphic novel. But I had fun crafting a story out of just 4 pages of "Me and My Beautiful Toes" which I have a personal connection with. I learnt there are mutual people who actually appreciate my paintings. There are thousands of times I doubted they were well-painted. I have no connection with my brushes, let alone correctly mix colours. So I was very surprised when my friend said she would like to buy one. Yes, I admit it was a good one. GOOD only! But selling to her, it was like "Wow, my painting is really good that she loves it so much uh?!" As a result, lecturers and friends/family think and voice astonishingly different. I'm slowly overcoming my fear in presenting my works during critique sessions. Now that I'm more familiar with such sessions, I hope to better my presentation skills.
Now that I have turned 21, it's time to have a 2015 checklist which I think it'll be good to do it yearly. To see what I have achieved and have not at the end of every year.
Most of all, I really, really hope to get to fly above the clouds and experience various cultures and try various foods around the world. I hope to abandon my fussy tongue except for spicy foods. It has been my life-long dream since young. Travelling to Batam and Shanghai had been two amazing, an eye-opening experiences, me being exposed to their cultures and the way they lived. As I travel, I hope to continue hand-writing about my travelling experiences as I did in Batam and Shanghai.
- Expand my career (FB, IG, word of mouth, etc)
- Try to be more known to increase the number of clients
- Finish up my photography website (super long delay)
- Improve my photo editing skills
- Share my photos wherever possible
- Hope to find a mentor / photography company / studio where I can work and try my eyes on
- Do 2015 well in everything, be it my studies, family or friends
- Travel pretty please!!!! I'm getting older and my life is shorter and shorter
- Hope to get an approval from my parents to allow me to travel to Vietnam for COR'15 (Camp Outreach organised by NTU) in June
- Hope to travel to ALL my destined countries before I turn 30
- Fall in love with someone... and be so in love...
- Be more cheerful, appreciative and thankful to my beloved ones
Most of all, I really, really hope to get to fly above the clouds and experience various cultures and try various foods around the world. I hope to abandon my fussy tongue except for spicy foods. It has been my life-long dream since young. Travelling to Batam and Shanghai had been two amazing, an eye-opening experiences, me being exposed to their cultures and the way they lived. As I travel, I hope to continue hand-writing about my travelling experiences as I did in Batam and Shanghai.
I was asked by my bestie to go to Vietnam for community outreach. It sounds interesting.
I hope to see you, Vietnam! I heard from papa that food is quite good! Hmmm...
Now it's 12 AM. HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!!!!
And BRING IT ON, 2015!
And BRING IT ON, 2015!
12 December 2014
Thought #1
Typing with sleepy pair of eyes... My nose has acted up again. A thought came.
Every time I read two favourite blogs, there is in me a stir of jealousy at how they craft their words out of their minds. One's a young, blossoming singer and a song-writer and another one, an artist who likes writing some poems. They both have excellent usage of descriptions to convey their thoughts that ensure smooth reading. However, I am not sure if the latter likes singing as a hobby. So I came to a conclusion that I am not even sure if it is logical. Those who like singing as a hobby or for their careers, have an ability of putting words together beautifully be it songs or just daily diaries (i.e blogs). Almost like reading literature.
Recently, a few of my adult friends commented on my writing either through reading my Facebook posts or my blog that I am a gifted writer. I think "gifted" is too much a compliment given that I still doubt my writing skill. I have stopped borrowing storybooks ever since I entered ITE. However, I still read online news and sometimes from an ebook app on my phone. I was even told I write too long. Yes, I'm still training myself to write short yet sweet paragraphs. I usually can write considerably good paragraphs if it has a strong connection between the photos I took and myself. Take my recent photo blog post "Farewell" as an example. I am not good with vocabulary or coming up with photo captions so I always write my personal reflection about them. It's such a joy crafting what I want to express in words relating to my photos. I know they are not necessarily accompanied with captions for they speak thousands of words. But it's my way of expressing myself and to be understood by others.
I must thank Grey Matters module I learnt in year 1 for it taught me to dig deeply and to know more about myself. It allowed me to have a journal that I was asked to write freely about my inner thoughts. Photos taught me so much and discovering more about myself and how I bring out my photography skill to the public eyes.
P.S I miss Grey Matters so much ):
Every time I read two favourite blogs, there is in me a stir of jealousy at how they craft their words out of their minds. One's a young, blossoming singer and a song-writer and another one, an artist who likes writing some poems. They both have excellent usage of descriptions to convey their thoughts that ensure smooth reading. However, I am not sure if the latter likes singing as a hobby. So I came to a conclusion that I am not even sure if it is logical. Those who like singing as a hobby or for their careers, have an ability of putting words together beautifully be it songs or just daily diaries (i.e blogs). Almost like reading literature.
Recently, a few of my adult friends commented on my writing either through reading my Facebook posts or my blog that I am a gifted writer. I think "gifted" is too much a compliment given that I still doubt my writing skill. I have stopped borrowing storybooks ever since I entered ITE. However, I still read online news and sometimes from an ebook app on my phone. I was even told I write too long. Yes, I'm still training myself to write short yet sweet paragraphs. I usually can write considerably good paragraphs if it has a strong connection between the photos I took and myself. Take my recent photo blog post "Farewell" as an example. I am not good with vocabulary or coming up with photo captions so I always write my personal reflection about them. It's such a joy crafting what I want to express in words relating to my photos. I know they are not necessarily accompanied with captions for they speak thousands of words. But it's my way of expressing myself and to be understood by others.
I must thank Grey Matters module I learnt in year 1 for it taught me to dig deeply and to know more about myself. It allowed me to have a journal that I was asked to write freely about my inner thoughts. Photos taught me so much and discovering more about myself and how I bring out my photography skill to the public eyes.
P.S I miss Grey Matters so much ):
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