♥ Eternity

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

We just came back from the hospital.

Darling's maternal grandmother has just passed away.

I'm kinda saddened that she's not living to see the birth of her two great-grandchildren (darling's cousin is also expecting).... but in a way, we had expected her passing on...... we just didn't know when it was coming. After all, her health has been slowly deteriorating these last couple of months, with her organs failing one after another..... medically there was no longer anything they could do... and all we were doing was just to wait for time, and improve her quality of life as far as possible.

We had just visited her on the Saturday we came back from Bintan.... coz she had requested that she wanted to see everyone.... probably a sign that she was preparing herself? I really don't know. Yet, even then, it didn't seem like it was time yet. I've seen so many deaths, visited so many that were dying in hospitals because my parents are usually so involved...... to the extent that I somehow can tell if a person's time is almost up..... yet I kept feeling that she would live to 2009 at the very least....... seems I was wrong..... I'm not sure if it's coz I kept telling God on that Saturday, and also during Mass on Sunday to let His will be done unto her, and to help her deal with the cross she has to carry. But at least, she's out of pain, and she died a peaceful death.

I am rather sad... but maybe coz Darling's family was never really close to her, so that's why I'm not as impacted by the news. But anyhow, please do pray for her soul......

It's gonna be a busy 5 days ahead.....as many plans have to be changed and interrupted..... doesn't help that the BBQ is on Wednesday, my nephew's birthday party on Thursday, and my parents' return from Jerusalem on Friday..... the wake is gonna be at Woodlands.... so.... there's gonna be many plans that need to be made.... just hope everything falls into place.....

This just reminds me of what happened last July..... it just reopened all the wounds, and made me think about what I would do if someone closer to me passed away...... Sighz.... I always feel that I am ready for death.... but I guess what scares me more and what hurts more is the people we leave behind because they are the ones that are dealing with the aftermath and the pain.... And I guess what really matters is to live our lives without regrets....so that if we were to die on any day, we would be ready to leave this world...... and at the same time, if someone else were to pass on, we would be ready to let them go without holding on to regrets of not having done enough for them..........

2:36 AM

Monday, December 29, 2008

Ah... this is gonna be a long post, documenting the Xmas Eve events, and the trip... but... it's alright... =)

Went to Pasta Fresca on Xmas Eve with Chan and Angela... and we had a wonderful Italian meal... Let the pics speak for themselves.....

Zuppa Di Mare All' Amalfitana (in English, Seafood soup... lovely!)

Grissini Casalinghi (Breadsticks wrapped with parma ham)

Triangolini Al Proscuitto di Parma ( Triangular shaped pasta filled with chicken, in a cream sauce with parma ham, tomatoes, mushrooms and onions)

Risotto al Frutti di Mare (Seafood Rissoto)

Conchiglie Pasta in Carbonara Sauce

Pizza Diavola (Pizza with a mix of pork and beef salami)

Then we went off to Risen Christ for midnight mass with Cuiling before going for supper at Joo Chiat… reached home at about 3am after sending them home… then went off to sleep….

Woke up the next morning at 8 to prepare the tarts for Darling’s family lunch…. And rushed over to help Darling’s dad with the food….. left about 1 plus to go to my Aunt’s place….. hmm… this year’s gathering at my aunt’s place was so much cozier and nicer… I dunno if it’s coz I’ve kinda been self-promoted due to my new status as a “mummy”, but I guess the adults had more things to talk to me about…. Everyone was talking, laughing… and well, I do wish I could have stayed longer….. =)

Dropped by at Rabbit’s house to pass her Ian’s present…. And forced the both Winson and Rabbit to open their present.. haha…. After which we had to rush to the ferry terminal to meet Sheena and Nigel.

I loved this trip so much more than the previous one.... very largely because of the wonderful weather..... I'm so thankful we got to see the sun this time round. =D It was very much different going on a "double date" trip... .and well, I guess we managed to have a lot of couple personal time because of that... which in a way was what I needed with Darling.... we really do need time away from everything and to ourselves..... the whole reason why I planned for the trip in the first place, despite my pregnancy! Yet having them around made it more fun to do stuff... as well as many photo shots!! haha.... Sheena did ALL the phototaking this time round coz she's so obsessed with her camera... my camera was practically useless!!! hee... but these are the pics Sheena posted on her blog...there's still more that I need to take from her!!!

The sea was maddeningly choppy this time round… I have no idea if it’s coz it was due to the rainy day on Xmas Eve, or because it was also drizzling on Xmas itself…. Sheena puked like 4 times, I puked twice, and Darling almost puked as well! It was crazy, and the boat ride seemed endless….. When we alighted, haha…. That’s where the royal treatment began….. there was a staff waiting for us at the point where we alighted. She took our passports and immigration cards, and proceeded to do the necessary stuff for us whilst we went to collect our luggage. Then we were ferried to a car to be driven to the hotel.

Upon arrival, staff formed two rows to greet us with music, welcome drinks and hot towels… then, two managers who were there greeted us, and then brought us straight to our suite with no need for check-in! There was a fruit basket awaiting us…. And well, here are the pictures of the room, which we failed to take during the previous trip!

Our room number

The living room

Our bedroom....

Sheena taking a photo of the enormous toilet....

Went for dinner that night at the coffeehouse coz the Jap restaurant we had wanted to visit was unbelievably disappointing. So, we had buffet for dinner, but it wasn’t that bad… =)

Spent the night resting, watching tv, and since Sheena was really tired after her whole puking experience, Darling and me watched soccer till we fell asleep… I simply love bathtubs in hotels…. That’s the one luxury we can’t do without…. Haha… I guess the warm water lapping in the tub was good for Baby… =)

Anywayz, we woke up for Breakfast the next morning for a really fulfilling breakfast… then, we went off to the beach to walk around for a little bit… Then we did what all Singaporeans love to do, shopping! Didn’t buy much…… after all, it was a small little marketplace….

Had lunch outside, then came back to go to the pool….

We managed to get a driver to send us out to the same kelong restaurant we went to the last time to have our dinner… and once again, we were not disappointed! It was the best meal we had during our trip, and a most cheap and satisfying one! Returned to the hotel, chilled a little, and Darling and me watched soccer once more…. =)

Had to leave the next day, but it was a pleasant experience…I think the weather made a whole lot of difference! The sea was less choppy on the way back… and well, made us feel less sick…..

Sighz….i love spending time with Darling like that…. Makes everything seem like they’re eons away…. And I guess such times will get lesser once little Baby Moo comes out…. That’s why I really treasure them right now…. We still have an offer for a Pan Pac room, and I guess we’ll be utilizing it soon… once again just to enjoy each other’s company as much as possible… I guess it’s different when u’re away from home… there’s less things on your mind…. No distractions and all….. and that’s what’s important to me… that getaway every once in a while just to recharge……..

Hmm… much to do since the BBQ is on Wednesday…… have to start on the food already!!! Back to Singapore, back to reality…….

1:58 PM

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

So... it's Christmas eve......it feels almost weird.... hmmz... will be going to Risen Christ for midnight mass tonight, and before that, will be having dinner with Angela, Chan, and maybe Winson..... I'm partially in the Christmas mood......not entirely there yet.... but oh wellz....

We've officially passed our first year wedding anniversary / 6 years of relationship anniversary.... relatively uneventful more coz we had so many other commitments to fulfill over the two days...somehow, having our special days so close to christmas is rather stressful coz there's always so so much to do!

Anywayz, on our anniversary, we went down to the doctor's in the morning for Baby's monthly check-up.... sighz... I have officially put on 10kg in the entire 7 months! This is freaky.... and Baby's estimated weight is now 1.02kg..... it's only 10 percent of what I have put on!!!!! Sheesh...and doc was warning that in the next few months, my weight will increase exponentially.... I'm totally freaking out la...... but apparently, my weight gain is equivalent to what Baby is putting on, so I don't really have to watch my diet yet.....

Then, after that, we went to Gunther's for lunch...... Chef got a shock when he saw me...and asked me what I did to myself! haha..... I feel kinda bad that I didn't pre-warn him of my condition.... coz I think he had to change the menu last min for me..... which is why the meal, though good, was not as satisfying as the last time..... but we still enjoyed ourselves.....it was a full 8-course meal, and was superb...... I'll let you salivate over the pics... =D

Decor on the table.... it's made out of pastry.... I have no idea what a car has to do with xmas!! But it is rather cute... =)

The bread they serve endlessly, which is fantastic.... Darling and me can never get enough of it... The only reason we ate less this time was coz everything was more filling than the last, and we were worried we'd eat more bread than the meal!!! =D

Cold Angel Hair Pasta with Oscetra Caviar, Truffle Jus and Kongbu (Jap seaweed)

Second time we're eating this, but I still love it.....

Carpaccio of Wagyu Beef with Fine Potato Chip and Shaved Truffle.
Due to my condition, I had Carpaccio of Celeriac in place of the Wagyu since I can't eat raw food... .sighz.... sucks coz Wagyu is fantastic!!! Darling was disappointed with this dish, coz he felt the Truffle actually overpowered the Wagyu... but I think mine was okay....

Consomme of Mushroom with Smoked Duck.
This is absolutely fantastic.... Darling was in seventh heaven when he drank it...

Salt-crusted Seabass with Tomato Cream Sauce
Darling wished he'd gotten a shot of the seabass encrusted in salt.... haha.... it was nice... unlike how we usually get our seabass.... =)

Alaskan King Crab with Pilaf Rice
We're eating what they catch on Deadliest Catch! haha...

Black Truffle Pasta
Chef is seemingly obsessed with serving us truffle that day. I'm wondering if it was due to my condition, where he had to change the menu last min.....or if it was intentional.... But anyhow, this was perfect....

Roasted Black Pork with Apple Compote and Potato.

Yum yum......

Our dessert / complimentary cake...

I'm guessing it's a Choux Puff filled with Cream and Chocolate.

Perfect to finish off all the heavy tastes.....

Petit Fours of Cookie, Financier and Valrhona Chocolate with our cup of Tea....

*Sighz in contentment*...... we had another table beside us who loved the food so much that he promised to be a regular at the restaurant....I was telling Darling that we can only afford to do that if both of us each earned at least 3000 a month! I'd love to eat there regularly too.... but I guess the fact that we space out our visits, makes everything even more special and intriguing..... Darling still has yet to taste a few of Chef's specialties..... I guess the next time we go there we ought to order our own food instead, so that Darling would get to taste his more fantastic food.... =)

After our very fulfilling meal, went on to shop for Darling's clothes...... and then we rushed back in time for evening mass, coz my Mum offered mass in thanksgiving for the past year...... Then it was a hectic rush to get my parents to the airport in time due to many unforeseen circumstances.... but they did manage to leave on time for their trip to Jerusalem........ hmmm.. I just hope my Dad manages to gain something out of the trip.... kinda worried coz they're not going with their usualy group of friends, although it's with many from my church..... plus the fact that the tour is conducted in English, I just hope my mum remembers to not neglect him and to help him translate whatever is being said.......

Anyway, for yesterday, we managed to catch Yes Man....... it's quite a good show.... typical Jim Carrey style.... but with lots of meaning..... I'm kinda feeling the show meant a lot to Darling, because he isn't entirely a Yes Man either.....not that he keeps turning pple down...but that he too weighs far too many options in his mind instead of just taking Life as an adventure...... =)

Hmm.... it's close to evening....many more things to do....and tomorrow afternoon, we'll be set for Bintan... in a way I can't wait.... I'm just hoping that the weather we'll get over there would be like the past few days and not like what we experienced the whole of today!!! I do wanna walk on the beach for a while, so I'm praying hard!!!!

Merry Christmas everyone!

3:54 PM

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Well well.... the Legion christmas gathering is over..... i'd expected more people to turn up..... coz many many faces were missing...but it was kinda expected coz most of the older ones had work/family commitments.

My overall comments? It was a party planned by the young, for the young..... haha... it was more suited to their needs and taste, and for that, I think it was a relatively good job done.... I guess more organization could have been put into the planning, especially when it came to the organizing of the food, as in making sure that there was sufficient amount and variety...but otherwise, the programs were different and rather interesting. Decor was good too, but more consideration could be put into the cost in future! =) For things like that, much as Curia would subsidise, I guess it'd be good to keep us in the loop of what needs to be bought, and what the overall idea of the program is..... but otherwise, I do think it is a job rather well done....... =)

Hmmm...super tired right now...coz the last few days I've been working myself to the max.... with the cookie baking and all...... spent almost 3 full days working on them..so those who got them.... it's a lot of love that went into the cookies! 1 day to bake them, 1 day to decorate and pack them, and another to add the finishing touches............. then darling and me went out the whole of yesterday to complete our christmas shopping, and wrapping till about 3am this morning.... didn't help that due to darling's need to reach work by 8am, we went for the 6.45am service this morning..... then came the making of the tarts for today's party.... lucky i managed to catch a 2 hour nap in between, or i'd be super tired right now....

Sermon today was very interesting. I never thought about it until it was mentioned today. Have you realised that Christmas is probably the only festival in which its songs exist in various languages? You can hear christmas songs in so many languages, all the same tune with similar meaning, only in a different language. This proves how widespread the love of God is, and how meaningful Jesus' birth is. No matter the religion of a person, somehow, they would be affected by the Christmas bug and spirit, be it Christmas parties, decoration of their house/office, or even the mere exchange of gifts during this season. Every Christmas season, walking into a well-decorated shopping mall would somehow fill you with a warm fuzzy feeling.... the anticipation of the day itself....... What makes it more special to us believers is the faith and knowledge of Jesus' arrival into this world to save us. We may decorate our homes with Christmas trees, but how many of us truly have a Nativity set at home that awaits Jesus' birth into the world? That is the true significance of Christmas, and one I think we ought to keep in mind.... =)

Tomorrow's gonna be another super busy day....... coz tomorrow's our wedding anniversary!! =D Will be going to see doctor in the morning to check on baby...... then going for our anniversary lunch.....do some shopping thereafter......then to send my parents off to Jerusalem in the night, before heading to Darling's parents' place for Tang Yuan.....

The week ahead is gonna be very much eventful..... especially since the entire festive season seems to be so close to each other. With that, I'll end my post with the announcement to fellow Legionaries about the upcoming BBQ gathering.... Food will be entirely prepared by me...so see u there!

================================================================

Hi all,

As mentioned by Chan during today's party, there will be a BBQ gathering coming up.
Please note that this is NOT a Legion activity, but a gathering amongst friends.
Details are as follows:

Date: 31 December 2008
Time: 6pm - 10pm
Cost: $10 per person
Venue: Tanamera Crest Condominium, 6-12 Pari Dedap Walk

Meeting point: 1800hrs at the bus-stop directly opposite St. Anthony's Canossian Convent, located at Bedok North Ave 4. Bus 17 stops there.

Please confirm with Nicholas Cheang if you are coming by the 27th of December 2008, as food needs to be prepared.
More details will be provided via sms to those coming on 28th December.

Thanks!!

====================================================

10:30 PM

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Spent the whole of yesterday baking........ this year, Darling and myself will be doing Christmas cookies as presents........ sighz... the last time I did this was 6 years ago.... haha... when we were still getting to know each other....... I still remember how my first real gift to him, not a Christmas gift was 2 boxes of cookies......

Sigh.... memories.... =)

Just realised how "weak" I've become as a result of the whole pregnancy thing.....my total baking time was about 4 hours yesterday..... with a rest of an hour in between whilst the dough rested...yet, nearing the end, I felt like crap and wanted everything to be over as quickly as possible........ sheesh..... and I've yet to do the icing on the cookies! Will be doing them tomorrow, and I just hope that I'll survive it...... =)

Went out for dinner with Darling yesterday...... sighz.... he's down with many many dilemmas, be it work or studies....and well, I guess we both needed to take some time out from everything and just chill out alone, spend some time with each other. Usually each day of our lives is filled with so many committments that it gets a little insane and hectic......coz whilst we aren't party animals or outgoing creatures, we do savour time alone as a couple.....whether it's at home, or just time walking around aimlessly in a mall...... so well, yesterday was a day to chill for us...... we ended up catching Twilight with Angela after dinner and all...... To say the truth, I had no idea about the show before this. I mean, I've heard all the little ones talking about the books and all, but I never really paid attention. Darling kept telling me that the movie is really hyped up.... plus the reviews were not bad, so I thought Why not?

Anywayz, the movie is not bad..... quite interesting, in fact....love the scenic views of everything too.... but I guess that there really is too much hype around the movie. I firmly believe in the saying of not expecting anything so that you won't be disappointed. Due to the hype, I believe many would go expecting lots of stuff..... and well, that would end up really disappointing you. Especially avid fans of the series...... I think that if you're gonna watch it, you have to watch it as a movie....comparing it to the book will only make the movie seem really really bad. It's always the case. After all, the movie is meant to cater to the general public...and already the show is 2.5 hours long...... I believe that if they were to go into detail for every part, the movie would be endless! Many parts were either too short for comfort, or too draggy.....so....it's not bad, but not fantastic, I'd say......

Hmmm.... Christmas is barely 7 days away! i'm still fretting about certain gifts for Christmas.... as of now, we've only really settled a few.....sighz....and it's not like we have lots and lots of time..... thank God I settled Darling's one by buying him his shoes... hehe...now he's left to fret not only about my christmas gift, but also my anniversary gift!

It's only 4 days to our first wedding anniversary..... It's really insane how time flies......can't wait to celebrate it coz we'll be going back to Gunther's for lunch! haha.... If you didn't already know, I used to work with the chef in Les Amis...and he left to open his own restaurant somewhere last year or so........ his food is still wonderful........ we went there in May, and because he still remembers me, he prepared a menu for the both of us...... so I made another reservation this time, and he offered not only to prepare something special, but also a complimentary cake to commemorate our day! So absolutely sweet of him.... =D

Many many things to be done and sorted through....... I think this time of the year is the busiest for everyone...what with all the celebrations and stuff.... doesn't help that it also marks the beginning of a new year........ still many discussions to be done for Legion, coz we haven't had our own evaluation yet!

In the midst of all the frenzy...... I think it's super important that we remember why we are celebrating Christmas in the first place............what's our gift to Jesus this Christmas???

12:19 PM

Thursday, December 11, 2008

My results for the first sem of my second year are finally out. Phew. Now I can finally enjoy what's left of the holidays.

Not that I was even stressed about it in the first place! Haha...... But it's good to know that I did do well enough to not be disappointed..... didn't expect much either, coz the last sem was extremely difficult with all the puking and crap...... But oh well, now it's officially over....... 2 more months to go for next sem before my final practicum, and my NIE days would then be out of my life......... am kinda worried about the responsibilities of having to be a full-fledged teacher soon.... especially with little Baby Moo on the way.

Sighz... that's the biggest of my worries...coping between family and work...... I don't doubt my love to teach in a classroom full of children....but the fact that I've to leave my child at home whilst I'm working is what worries me...... After all, I don't deny that I'm a workaholic freak..... so... the need to be able to separate work from home is gonna have to be a big part of my life right now...... doesn't help that teaching is all about prepping!

Ah well, as the chinese saying goes, 船到桥头自然直..... and of course... the other saying that "If God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it."...... I believe that He has His own reasons for giving this little one to us at this point of time...... so I just have to trust in Him.

Anywayz, lately been unable to sleep at night coz of the itching all over.... sighz.... all the YGZ would understand..... it's just getting worse, and nothing seems to help. I've resorted to using a hairbrush to soothe the itch coz it's less likely to injure my skin....... sheesh.....as a result of my inability to sleep at night.... I only end up falling asleep in the wee hours of the morning.... and thus, sleep till afternoon...... as poor Baby Moo is deprived of food, the first thing I eat will immediately be vomitted out.

Ah.... so crappy... 3 more months...... right now, just hope Baby Moo is growing well... that's the only thing on my mind..... also wanna enjoy my last christmas without the worry of a child!

5:13 PM

Monday, December 08, 2008

ah...i love the weather today....it's absolutely heavenly.......which helps to reduce the itching on my body.... =D kinda reminds me of my honeymoon in australia last year.... cool wind and lovely weather.......

sighz... so nostalgic. I do wish we could go back there again this year...... the food, the weather, the people, the shopping....i miss every single moment of it. But... as a consolation, I guess the Bintan trip wouldn't be too bad either! Not sure if Angela, Winson and Chan are coming along, but if they aren't, then I guess it'd be a double couple trip with Nigel and Sheena..... I just hope the weather would be nice instead of the incessant rain we had the last time we were there!

Time flies.

It really does. Darling and me just went for our first blessing together......it's some blessing for couples who were married in the particular month.....happens every first sunday at my church..... I can't believe it's already been a year! To think that last year at this time, I was going insane trying to keep up with all the prep for the big day..... and now, we're already awaiting Baby Moo's arrival....... At this same time next year, Baby Moo would already be crawling all over the place! Sheesh....it's scary....it really is.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On another note, I've finally compiled ALL the photos from JXY together.....it is madness. I have no idea why we have this many photos this year. Maybe coz there were more cameras around..... the total file size is like 1.82GB..... insane right? I don't even know how I'm gonna fit all of them into one CD..... sheesh...and there's still the CNDH photos and the christmas party photos......

Thing is, I'm trying to compile ALL the Legion photos, documents, etc etc into a whole set of CDs to hand over to the next batch of officers for their records....... and everything so far has taken 7 discs.....i have 3 left for the remainder of 2008-2009....... at the current status, I don't think it's enough.....sighz..probably have to buy another set to store everything....... with the extra discs, i'll see my mood...maybe i'll do the entire song file in soft copy for records as well....but that's gonna be hard work!!!

sighz.....each year, i'll make a video documenting the entire JXY...i've no idea why this year I don't seem to have the mood to do so. But i still have 2 weeks before the christmas party...so let's hope I feel something before it's too late!

CNDH is over. I think it's not bad...... could definitely have been better planned with all the last-minute things that had to be done on the actual day and all...... BUT....for first-timers....with no adult supervision, I seriously think you guys did a great job. We could probably have done without all the hiccups had preparations been completed before the event (i.e. song lists, etc), but we all learn from mistakes don't we? Overall, it's good....and well, let's just wait to see what the senior curia has to say about the event......

I need to update the Legion blog too...... sheesh. So many things to do..... and I just don't have the drive to do it. My holidays seem to be flying past faster than I want it to! Ah..... many many things on my mind....... but oh well.....i need to relax esp since Christmas is only 17 days away!!!!

9:28 PM

Thursday, December 04, 2008

I am sitting in Darling's parents' home.......waiting for time to pass before we go meet the rest of the gang for yet another coffee session. Chan, nigel and sheena, winson.....the only one missing right now is angela....... i don't think she'll be joining us coz she has work. Sigh...the last time we met up for coffee was the night when jxy ended......it's been a very long time since we met up for coffee so frequently.... i really treasure these moments, for they hold so many memories for us to reminisce on, especially in times when we rarely meet up. Such sessions will only get lesser in the year to come...especially with Nigel going into the army real soon, and with little moo along on the way........ I guess the coffee sessions will just have to be held in my place in future.... =)

Well, so my last camp is over. It's been an eventful camp for wrong reasons.......and I can't help but feel it's a downhill road from here on...... with the events that are occurring or have occurred, I must say that I am worried for wat's to come. But it's all out of my hands. It's the era of a new generation, and I guess it's all in God's hands, for he has his own plans.

How was camp like? I really dunno wat to say. The programs that were meant to be good, did fulfill its expectations....... but I don't think it surpassed anything.... as for the campers, well, they did give more problems this year than in previous years..... but I would say they turned out fine in the end....... as for YGZ..... well, those who are internally involved, you know what I have to say..... and I won't say more..... all I can say is that I was rather disappointed. But, I don't hurt, that's for sure, not as much as some of the rest, maybe because I gave up hope long ago. So overall, I don't know......plus the fact that I wasn't very much involved in the camp, I didn't manage to feel much for the camp. It was a very stressful camp though, since there were much programs for me to look after....but, it's all over now, and what matters is that the campers had fun, and that they took home many memories, and learnt a lot from this camp.

Found this quote on my dear friend, Russell's facebook....I think it's super nice..... and super meaningful....

8:42 PM