Spent the first two days of the New Year with my WHOLE family...Dad had dinner with us (one of those rare moments!) Even though it was a simple dinner at the coffeeshop, it was nice to see the whole family gathered to eat. At around 2.30am, my dad decided on going to the coffeeshop again for a late-night/morning supper so Maib, Dad and I went. The rest were already sleeping. There were many men lazing around at the coffeeshop, watching TV,swigging jugs of beer...
Anywhere, moving on to the subject of the dreaded first day of school. It was nice to see everyone in school, albeit looking a little different. As I was helping out with Choir auditions, I did not have to attend lessons and I could skip GEOGRAPHY test!!!
We hung around, tearing audition slips and talking and eating until the first batch of "nooby J1s" (according to Charlie Brown) came in. As I was paired up with Charlie Brown, the challenge of controlling my laughter was as impossible as telling my Big Blob of a Brother to get off the computer. And true to what I said, it came to past! I really tried controlling my laughter by pretending to busy myself with writing out their information on the audition slips and basically trying to look distracted but everytime I see how hard Charlie Brown is suffering by trying to look professional while auditioning them, I would burst out once in a while.. I DID TRY!!
But after that I was immune to all the singing...anyways...my singing isn't that fantastic anyway so I think I should stop being so irritating...haha....
Went for lunch with Henry,Jillian and Wei Lin after that at Yoshinoya,TM and they wanted to share the cost for Fiona's birthday present.
Argh! G12 after that...really tired now...Maths and Lit test on Fri!! ~Ciao!
03 January, 2007
31 December, 2006
Photographs...
Just for fun...some photos...
Sister when she was in her lower Primary days...
Check out the two missing front teeth!
Lookalikes...
Engrossed...
Act Cute Shot:Take One!
Act Cute Shot: Take Two!
Act Cute Shot: Take Three!
Doing his own Henna...
Masterpiece completed!
These were pictures of my siblings in the past. Look at the Blob! I missed his former self...to all sisters of potential computer addicts, do something before the one-eyed computer robs your brothers' innocence...
Maib trying not to smile cos she's "supposed" to be throwing a tantrum (serious!)
Maib's mouth cut off while Er Yi trying very hard to smile cos she's tired
Maib destroying the mood cos of her tantrum..hahaha!!
And lastly,the best picture of the year...
Er Yi acting young (Ps: notice the hands..those are not hers by the way!)
Lookalikes...
Engrossed...
Act Cute Shot: Take Two!
Act Cute Shot: Take Three!
Doing his own Henna...
These were pictures of my siblings in the past. Look at the Blob! I missed his former self...to all sisters of potential computer addicts, do something before the one-eyed computer robs your brothers' innocence...
Maib trying not to smile cos she's "supposed" to be throwing a tantrum (serious!)
Maib's mouth cut off while Er Yi trying very hard to smile cos she's tired
Maib destroying the mood cos of her tantrum..hahaha!!
And lastly,the best picture of the year...
Er Yi acting young (Ps: notice the hands..those are not hers by the way!)
My Brave New World
In my Brave New World, we have our own Bokanovsky Groups: Chinese,Indian,Malay,Caucasian...the Indian Caste System of Brahmins and Pariahs...we can also have test-tube babies and now the respective authorities are arguing about embryonic stem-cell research.
In my Brave New World,it is a meritocratic system. The geniuses and prodigies would succeed effortlessly whilst the intellectually-challenged would have to work harder or suffer later. We are programmed from young to strive to be successful in almost everything we do,otherwise we wouldn't "have a bright future." We love studying, we enjoy working long hours cos we wanna succeed. We are conditioned to dislike failures. However, some are programmed to pick themselves up from these fallbacks whilst others just wallow in the mire.
In my Brave New World,our hypnopaedic lessons come in the form of naggings and scoldings but unlike, Huxley's Brave New World, they do not work most of the time. They have to understand that hynopaedia wouldn't work cos we are individuals. Even though the naggings may be good, sometimes we have to learn it the hard way.
In my Brave New World,even though infants do not exhibit sexual behaviour amongst themselves, it is ironic to see adults who are behaving in a childish manner, gossiping and backstabbing fellow colleagues or friends. Why can't we learn to put aside our grievances about them and pray for them instead? "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much..."
In Huxley's Brave New World, they laugh at people from the Savage Reservation (people who don't look as youthful and beautiful as them). Yet, in my Brave New World, isn't that familiar too? Despite us saying that inner beauty is more important than the exterior, I see plenty of false preachers.
In my Brave New World, we may laugh at the Soma (something like cocaine and morphine)that the people take to feel happy when they are stressed but in my Brave New World, the number of people taking drugs are not any lesser.
In my Brave New World, whenever you're famous, you have no peace due to the swarms of papparazzi invading your home. When you do something controversial (regardless of whether it's a postive or negative kind of controversy), there will always be people who're trying to get close to you to know more about it or simply, to gossip about it.
Lastly, in Huxley's Brave New World, items considered as pornography include literature or anything that encourages individuality. But I'm proud to say that in my Brave New World, there IS Shakespeare, there are many forms of poetry and finally, there is a God who is always there to talk to to help us overcome all the depressing scenes of my Brave New World that I have mentioned above.
As the New Year is about to begin, let us face our Brave New World with Him in mind. Without Him, we would be like John the Savage who committed suicide at the end. (Even though it may not be physical suicide, think about the emotional and spiritual aspect...)
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
In my Brave New World,it is a meritocratic system. The geniuses and prodigies would succeed effortlessly whilst the intellectually-challenged would have to work harder or suffer later. We are programmed from young to strive to be successful in almost everything we do,otherwise we wouldn't "have a bright future." We love studying, we enjoy working long hours cos we wanna succeed. We are conditioned to dislike failures. However, some are programmed to pick themselves up from these fallbacks whilst others just wallow in the mire.
In my Brave New World,our hypnopaedic lessons come in the form of naggings and scoldings but unlike, Huxley's Brave New World, they do not work most of the time. They have to understand that hynopaedia wouldn't work cos we are individuals. Even though the naggings may be good, sometimes we have to learn it the hard way.
In my Brave New World,even though infants do not exhibit sexual behaviour amongst themselves, it is ironic to see adults who are behaving in a childish manner, gossiping and backstabbing fellow colleagues or friends. Why can't we learn to put aside our grievances about them and pray for them instead? "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much..."
In Huxley's Brave New World, they laugh at people from the Savage Reservation (people who don't look as youthful and beautiful as them). Yet, in my Brave New World, isn't that familiar too? Despite us saying that inner beauty is more important than the exterior, I see plenty of false preachers.
In my Brave New World, we may laugh at the Soma (something like cocaine and morphine)that the people take to feel happy when they are stressed but in my Brave New World, the number of people taking drugs are not any lesser.
In my Brave New World, whenever you're famous, you have no peace due to the swarms of papparazzi invading your home. When you do something controversial (regardless of whether it's a postive or negative kind of controversy), there will always be people who're trying to get close to you to know more about it or simply, to gossip about it.
Lastly, in Huxley's Brave New World, items considered as pornography include literature or anything that encourages individuality. But I'm proud to say that in my Brave New World, there IS Shakespeare, there are many forms of poetry and finally, there is a God who is always there to talk to to help us overcome all the depressing scenes of my Brave New World that I have mentioned above.
As the New Year is about to begin, let us face our Brave New World with Him in mind. Without Him, we would be like John the Savage who committed suicide at the end. (Even though it may not be physical suicide, think about the emotional and spiritual aspect...)
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
28 December, 2006
K-boxing on post-Boxing Days
I've waited for so long to catch this movie....Night at the Museum was AWESOME!!! You really should go and catch it!!! It's hilarious and some things were totally unexpected such as when the Mummy bursts out of his tomb and starts to unpeel the bandages he has on his face and guess what? Instead of a dirty and disfigured corpse of a face, you get a handsome young and REAL Egyptian in the form of Rami Malek!!!
The hottest Mummy on earth
Besides him, there were many other veteran actors in it too like Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney and Bill Cobbs. They really complement each other as the 3 retired night guards in the movie man!!! I found Mickey the funniest, he plays the little man who wants to look like a bigshot and you should observe the expressions he uses when he rebukes Ben Stiller in the movie!!! (eg. "What you doin 'round here, hopscotch"?)
Mickey Rooney, Dick Van Dyke and Bill Cobbs
Attila the Hun was also nice. In fact, I think he's one of the funniest museum exhibits cos he'll be speaking Mongolian (which is probably made up cos it sounds like baby talk!) to Stiller and the latter will try to utter baby talk back!
Attila the Hun and Larry Daly (Ben Stiller)
Oh ya! The stone monument of Easter Island was also comical cos he demands for chewing gum! (eg. "Dum Dum! Where's my gum gum!?")
Night at the Museum is really a feel-good movie which concludes with the museum exhibits cooperating with Stiller to save, ultimately themselves. Go watch it!
Shannon also agreed that the movie was good and she was sharp enough to notice some scenes that could be referenced to that of Brokeback Mountain (eg. When the Roman General and Owen Wilson's cowboy character were engaged in a dialogue and when Wilson replied, "I'm not quitting you."). Anyways, after the movie, headed to Kinokuniya to get some essential school materials and then, met up with the girls for K-boxing.
After a two-month hiatus from school, I finally met up with Samantha, Rhyss and Charlene. Headed straight to Marina Square after meeting Rhyss and Charlene. Sam arrived later due to personal commitments. K-boxing was not as cheap as I thought! For 4 hours and 2 drinks, we had to fork out $17.50 each...singing in the shower's not that bad after all...plus there's natural acoustics! :P
Our "Shirley Temples" and the Kbox...
the swinging singers
The hottest Mummy on earth
Besides him, there were many other veteran actors in it too like Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney and Bill Cobbs. They really complement each other as the 3 retired night guards in the movie man!!! I found Mickey the funniest, he plays the little man who wants to look like a bigshot and you should observe the expressions he uses when he rebukes Ben Stiller in the movie!!! (eg. "What you doin 'round here, hopscotch"?)
Mickey Rooney, Dick Van Dyke and Bill Cobbs
Attila the Hun was also nice. In fact, I think he's one of the funniest museum exhibits cos he'll be speaking Mongolian (which is probably made up cos it sounds like baby talk!) to Stiller and the latter will try to utter baby talk back!
Attila the Hun and Larry Daly (Ben Stiller)
Oh ya! The stone monument of Easter Island was also comical cos he demands for chewing gum! (eg. "Dum Dum! Where's my gum gum!?")
Night at the Museum is really a feel-good movie which concludes with the museum exhibits cooperating with Stiller to save, ultimately themselves. Go watch it!
Shannon also agreed that the movie was good and she was sharp enough to notice some scenes that could be referenced to that of Brokeback Mountain (eg. When the Roman General and Owen Wilson's cowboy character were engaged in a dialogue and when Wilson replied, "I'm not quitting you."). Anyways, after the movie, headed to Kinokuniya to get some essential school materials and then, met up with the girls for K-boxing.
After a two-month hiatus from school, I finally met up with Samantha, Rhyss and Charlene. Headed straight to Marina Square after meeting Rhyss and Charlene. Sam arrived later due to personal commitments. K-boxing was not as cheap as I thought! For 4 hours and 2 drinks, we had to fork out $17.50 each...singing in the shower's not that bad after all...plus there's natural acoustics! :P
I'm so glad that my time and money spent there was not wasted though. Initially I thought that we wouldn't be that participative and would sing "politely" but it was anything but that! Everyone just hummed and croaked and crooned. Even when the waitress popped in occasionally to check on the drinks, we would still carry out our "dispersed melody!" Rhyss was boogey-ing and jumping up and down like a little kid and Sam was issuing monotonous sounds to the microphone whenever she doesn't know the lyrics well or when the lyrics were stupid. (eg."Baby...ooh...yeah...baby,baby...") hahaha! Sang till 7, my throat was beginning hurt, I had a super low and raspy voice!
Nice time we had! Charlene, thanks for the Chocolate and the purse! Sam, thanks for the Christmas card and present and Rhyss, thanks for simply showing up and making my day =)
Our "Shirley Temples" and the Kbox...
the swinging singers
26 December, 2006
Pre-College blues...
Suddenly it dawned upon me that we're gonna be J2s soon! I just can't believe it! It's like when you just entered JC fresh from O levels, you feel that you'll slowly adapt to the JC system but before you know it, you're outta' it! Like what Mr Low said today, when you're in J1, the J2s seemed big and the work they do seemed difficult but, we're gonna be J2s in one week's time and it still hasn't registered in my head yet!
It's weird, the feeling of going back to college after the December holidays. You're not accustomed to the fact that you're going in as a J2, not a J1. Plus the workload next year, it's just overwhelming!!! I haven't even completed this year's holiday homework yet! Choir practices would also be further intensified (as if it isn't currently...) to a startling 5 times a week!!!
God, I pray for wisdom, strength and good time management next year...
It's weird, the feeling of going back to college after the December holidays. You're not accustomed to the fact that you're going in as a J2, not a J1. Plus the workload next year, it's just overwhelming!!! I haven't even completed this year's holiday homework yet! Choir practices would also be further intensified (as if it isn't currently...) to a startling 5 times a week!!!
God, I pray for wisdom, strength and good time management next year...
25 December, 2006
Aunty Elsie's Christmas Party and a nagging thought...
Hmm, before I talk about the Christmas message in Church on Christmas Eve, let me just fast-forward and rant about Aunty Elsie's Christmas Party.
For this event, Jia Qi and Jia Hui plus my siblings, Er Yi and mum went too so it was quite a party. Upon reaching Aunty Elsie's Sengkang flat, we were immediately greeted with the wafting smells of catered food outside the apartment. Schneider boy, Aunty Elsie's nephew, was as cute as ever. In fact, he was much more adorable and I kept pinching his cheeks!!! [At least I handled him with care, unlike my violent aunt who deftly snatched him from his walker and planted wet, slobbery kisses on Schneider's forehead, to the point where there were lipstick stains! If Schneider boy could talk, I bet he would be complaining nonstop! :P
Watched "Over The Hedge" and "Click" after dinner. It was such a pity that Aunty Elsie's mum did not cook her famous vegetable curry and Bee Hoon! I would give anything to have that again! [Ok, I'm exaggerating but it's really mouth-watering!]
We also got to taste Italian Chocolate. I think a friend of Aunty Elsie's sent the Chocolates all the way from Italy as a Christmas present. As I was a sweet tooth, I kept taking more Chocolate until I had to exercise some self-restraint!
Aunty Elsie gave us presents when we left. She was really generous cos she gave my brother a Swatch Watch! She gave me this nice, metallic necklace and my sis also got a necklace.
Now for the Christmas message.
Pastor Lim preached about the real meaning of Christmas. He got his inspiration from The Straits Times "Saturday" Section after seeing the headlines: "World with no Peace? World with no Joy?" Following the headlines were the various statisics depicting the number of lives lost to natural disasters, incurable diseases and the no. of people living in poverty or those who were abused, tortured or who worked as forced labourers and sex workers. Pastor Lim portrayed a grim outlook of the world's state by the look of the statistics and through this, showed how many people really needed Jesus this Christmas.
Using anecdotes to better illustrate his point, he describes the time where he went for this year's Home Christmas at a fellow member's house nearby. Upon reaching the place, he noticed a thin,young boy of about 12, crouching in a corner of the corridor near the house he was heading to. Pastor Lim then asked what the boy was doing, squatting there all alone, and he invited him to join them for the party. The young boy remarked that he couldn't as he had to sell finish the ice-cream that he was carting around, otherwise he would have no money to buy school books. Pastor Lim then asked him how many boxes there were to which the reply was 8. (There were about 10 ice-cream cones in 1 box) He then proceeded to question how much the boy would make per night by selling these ice-cream. The boy replied approximately 10 dollars. To the boy's amazement, Pastor Lim told him to join the party and not to worry about the ice-cream cos he would buy them ALL!! (the total cost was roughly $30++!!)
During the party, the group sang Christmas Carols and there was a short sharing. When the time came for the preacher to asked if anyone would like to accept Jesus, the little boy raised his hand and the group prayed for him. Isn't that amazing? 8 boxes of ice-cream to save a soul!
The reason I shared this was because it gave me so much encouragement. It also serves to remind me the purpose of Christmas. In the past few years, Christmas has become more and more commericalised. Shopping malls are known for taking advantage of this festive occasion to attrtact more shoppers for more profits. People get so caught up with buying gifts and planning parties that they seemed to forget the real meaning of Christmas.
I have to admit that this year, Christmas seemed to be more of a hassle than a time to rejoice and reflect. Even though I'm more or less satisfied with the parties I attended and the presents I received, I still felt rather empty inside. In contrast, when I received a Christmas SMS, the joy was incomprehensible. It just shows that sometimes it doesn't take much to make someone's day.
This sermon really came at the right time. As Christians, we should not be disheartened by the reports that the newspaper published cos we know that God would be the one that would give us the inner peace and joy that the world would not provide. After all, God is Wonderful. He is the Prince of Peace, our Counsellor whom we can turn to not only in times of trouble but when we are happy and we give thanks.
According to what Pastor Lim quoted from a famous personality, he said something like this: "History teaches us that Man does not learn from History" Isn't that true? Even though we know about WWI and the number of lives lost, there was still WWII and even now, the Iraq conflict is still taking place. We just don't seem to get it, don't we?
This Christmas, instead of just celebrating it like any other Christmas, wouldn't it be nice if we can really do something that will create a significant impact in someone's history of pleasant memories...
For this event, Jia Qi and Jia Hui plus my siblings, Er Yi and mum went too so it was quite a party. Upon reaching Aunty Elsie's Sengkang flat, we were immediately greeted with the wafting smells of catered food outside the apartment. Schneider boy, Aunty Elsie's nephew, was as cute as ever. In fact, he was much more adorable and I kept pinching his cheeks!!! [At least I handled him with care, unlike my violent aunt who deftly snatched him from his walker and planted wet, slobbery kisses on Schneider's forehead, to the point where there were lipstick stains! If Schneider boy could talk, I bet he would be complaining nonstop! :P
Watched "Over The Hedge" and "Click" after dinner. It was such a pity that Aunty Elsie's mum did not cook her famous vegetable curry and Bee Hoon! I would give anything to have that again! [Ok, I'm exaggerating but it's really mouth-watering!]
We also got to taste Italian Chocolate. I think a friend of Aunty Elsie's sent the Chocolates all the way from Italy as a Christmas present. As I was a sweet tooth, I kept taking more Chocolate until I had to exercise some self-restraint!
Aunty Elsie gave us presents when we left. She was really generous cos she gave my brother a Swatch Watch! She gave me this nice, metallic necklace and my sis also got a necklace.
Now for the Christmas message.
Pastor Lim preached about the real meaning of Christmas. He got his inspiration from The Straits Times "Saturday" Section after seeing the headlines: "World with no Peace? World with no Joy?" Following the headlines were the various statisics depicting the number of lives lost to natural disasters, incurable diseases and the no. of people living in poverty or those who were abused, tortured or who worked as forced labourers and sex workers. Pastor Lim portrayed a grim outlook of the world's state by the look of the statistics and through this, showed how many people really needed Jesus this Christmas.
Using anecdotes to better illustrate his point, he describes the time where he went for this year's Home Christmas at a fellow member's house nearby. Upon reaching the place, he noticed a thin,young boy of about 12, crouching in a corner of the corridor near the house he was heading to. Pastor Lim then asked what the boy was doing, squatting there all alone, and he invited him to join them for the party. The young boy remarked that he couldn't as he had to sell finish the ice-cream that he was carting around, otherwise he would have no money to buy school books. Pastor Lim then asked him how many boxes there were to which the reply was 8. (There were about 10 ice-cream cones in 1 box) He then proceeded to question how much the boy would make per night by selling these ice-cream. The boy replied approximately 10 dollars. To the boy's amazement, Pastor Lim told him to join the party and not to worry about the ice-cream cos he would buy them ALL!! (the total cost was roughly $30++!!)
During the party, the group sang Christmas Carols and there was a short sharing. When the time came for the preacher to asked if anyone would like to accept Jesus, the little boy raised his hand and the group prayed for him. Isn't that amazing? 8 boxes of ice-cream to save a soul!
The reason I shared this was because it gave me so much encouragement. It also serves to remind me the purpose of Christmas. In the past few years, Christmas has become more and more commericalised. Shopping malls are known for taking advantage of this festive occasion to attrtact more shoppers for more profits. People get so caught up with buying gifts and planning parties that they seemed to forget the real meaning of Christmas.
I have to admit that this year, Christmas seemed to be more of a hassle than a time to rejoice and reflect. Even though I'm more or less satisfied with the parties I attended and the presents I received, I still felt rather empty inside. In contrast, when I received a Christmas SMS, the joy was incomprehensible. It just shows that sometimes it doesn't take much to make someone's day.
This sermon really came at the right time. As Christians, we should not be disheartened by the reports that the newspaper published cos we know that God would be the one that would give us the inner peace and joy that the world would not provide. After all, God is Wonderful. He is the Prince of Peace, our Counsellor whom we can turn to not only in times of trouble but when we are happy and we give thanks.
According to what Pastor Lim quoted from a famous personality, he said something like this: "History teaches us that Man does not learn from History" Isn't that true? Even though we know about WWI and the number of lives lost, there was still WWII and even now, the Iraq conflict is still taking place. We just don't seem to get it, don't we?
This Christmas, instead of just celebrating it like any other Christmas, wouldn't it be nice if we can really do something that will create a significant impact in someone's history of pleasant memories...
Deep-fried me?
Finally! A major revamp for my blog without much help!! Only sought the wise counsel of Joan, the "veteran blogskin consultant" for her opinions on the blogskin but this one was not approved/disapproved by her. I chose this myself! =)
Now to talk about the various Christmas events I've been involved in...
Er Yi's Christmas Party
Actually it was also considered my Christmas Party cos I initiated it,planned the menu with her and helped her throughout. That's why I get to invite my friends: Joan, Ai Ping, Jean, Shannon and Jacinth. Cuiwen and Sze Yee couldn't come due to church and school commitments respectively.
We took about one week to plan and buy the ingredients in the menu and 2 days to prepare the food cos we're expecting around 30-35 people. [The most number of people invited to our Christmas Party so far!] From wrapping the presents and setting up the Christmas tree to cooking the spaghetti sauce and deep-frying the finger food on the day itself, man! It was certainly not as easy as I thought it would be!
I think the toughest part was the preparation for the food and that includes washing the plates and cutlery [my aunt dislikes the idea of using paper utensils as she says that they not only waste resources but they are not as "elegant" compared to using porcelain plates!] Besides my mum,second aunt, my sis and me who helped out, Ai Ping also chipped in a little! =)
This year was extremely special cos almost everyone we invited came: my Maternal grandparents, Third Aunt [together with Mocha, her Cocker Spaniel after that!], First Uncle and his family [we see them only twice a year-during Chinese New Year,but they came for this!] Third Uncle and his family except the wife, Aunty Emmeline and her family, Aunty Soh Hwa and her family [together with the Schnauzer, Rabble after that! Everyone gave so much attention to it!], My friends,Aunty Naoko and her family plus my family except my Dad.
Ai Ping and the kids "shipping" the presents for easier detection :P
As for the food, there was more than enough to satisfy their stomachs. This year we decided to go East and West so for the main course, there was Bee Hoon, Fried Rice and Spaghetti. Side dishes include the superb salad which my second aunt bought from Tekka Market, Curry Chicken, Roast Beef, Ham and Pineapple and the various finger foods, Dumplings, Fried Chicken and Vegetable Platter. For Dessert there were 4 cakes: 2 logcakes [1 baked by Jia Qi's mum and the other ordered online], 1 Chocolate Cake by Aunty Naoko's family and the other a birthday cake for Jean's birthday.Besides the cakes, there was Grass Jelly and 3 tubs of ice-cream (which was untouched as there was too much to finish!) plus pancakes for the older generation. And for the drinks, there was Chinese tea, coffee,Soyabean Milk,Apple Cider Vinegar soaked with Pandan leaves [which was the least popular drink!] and Soft drinks.
Aunty Naoko's pretty Chocolate cake
Log Cake baked by Jia Qi's mum
Jean blowing out the candles
Cutting the cake...
Fruit Paradise
Birthday Girl!
Group Shot
I guess the most awkward part would be when Ai Ping was opening her present. I knew she would like what I gave but I didn't expect her to be THAT touched! hahaha!
This year, I received many bags. Of course, there was also the occasional box of Chocolates which everyone would be bound to receive every Christmas but the most expensive gift I got this year was...a digital camera from my third aunt! Apparently she overheard me discussing with my mum whether to get a digicam or not cos it was rather troublesome borrowing from people.
After everyone left, we brought the house to order and by the time we left, it was a few minutes past midnight. [and my energy level was at an all-time low!] But Thank God it was a success!
Now to talk about the various Christmas events I've been involved in...
Er Yi's Christmas Party
Actually it was also considered my Christmas Party cos I initiated it,planned the menu with her and helped her throughout. That's why I get to invite my friends: Joan, Ai Ping, Jean, Shannon and Jacinth. Cuiwen and Sze Yee couldn't come due to church and school commitments respectively.
We took about one week to plan and buy the ingredients in the menu and 2 days to prepare the food cos we're expecting around 30-35 people. [The most number of people invited to our Christmas Party so far!] From wrapping the presents and setting up the Christmas tree to cooking the spaghetti sauce and deep-frying the finger food on the day itself, man! It was certainly not as easy as I thought it would be!
I think the toughest part was the preparation for the food and that includes washing the plates and cutlery [my aunt dislikes the idea of using paper utensils as she says that they not only waste resources but they are not as "elegant" compared to using porcelain plates!] Besides my mum,second aunt, my sis and me who helped out, Ai Ping also chipped in a little! =)
This year was extremely special cos almost everyone we invited came: my Maternal grandparents, Third Aunt [together with Mocha, her Cocker Spaniel after that!], First Uncle and his family [we see them only twice a year-during Chinese New Year,but they came for this!] Third Uncle and his family except the wife, Aunty Emmeline and her family, Aunty Soh Hwa and her family [together with the Schnauzer, Rabble after that! Everyone gave so much attention to it!], My friends,Aunty Naoko and her family plus my family except my Dad.
It was quite nice to see everyone gathering and catching up with each other...even the kids had fun! Kengo was THE boy that day...Ai Ping and the rest were busy playing with him, together with his siblings Yuki and Tatsuya. At one point in time, they were engaged in some "UNO War" in which they shove UNO cards under the door to see who could get the most cards to the other side or something like that!. [Tatsuya and my sister versus the rest!]
Evidence of the War Codes that both parties were engaged in!
Not long after that, the Japanese kids got tired and they decided to rummage through the presents under the tree to spot presents with their names.
Not long after that, the Japanese kids got tired and they decided to rummage through the presents under the tree to spot presents with their names.
As for the food, there was more than enough to satisfy their stomachs. This year we decided to go East and West so for the main course, there was Bee Hoon, Fried Rice and Spaghetti. Side dishes include the superb salad which my second aunt bought from Tekka Market, Curry Chicken, Roast Beef, Ham and Pineapple and the various finger foods, Dumplings, Fried Chicken and Vegetable Platter. For Dessert there were 4 cakes: 2 logcakes [1 baked by Jia Qi's mum and the other ordered online], 1 Chocolate Cake by Aunty Naoko's family and the other a birthday cake for Jean's birthday.Besides the cakes, there was Grass Jelly and 3 tubs of ice-cream (which was untouched as there was too much to finish!) plus pancakes for the older generation. And for the drinks, there was Chinese tea, coffee,Soyabean Milk,Apple Cider Vinegar soaked with Pandan leaves [which was the least popular drink!] and Soft drinks.
Aunty Naoko's pretty Chocolate cake
Log Cake baked by Jia Qi's mum
As my Second Aunt's place was quite small, my friends were holed up in her study room. It was exclusive but cosy and thus, we surprised Jean with the cake!
Cutting the cake...
Fruit Paradise
Birthday Girl!
Group Shot
I guess the most awkward part would be when Ai Ping was opening her present. I knew she would like what I gave but I didn't expect her to be THAT touched! hahaha!
This year, I received many bags. Of course, there was also the occasional box of Chocolates which everyone would be bound to receive every Christmas but the most expensive gift I got this year was...a digital camera from my third aunt! Apparently she overheard me discussing with my mum whether to get a digicam or not cos it was rather troublesome borrowing from people.
After everyone left, we brought the house to order and by the time we left, it was a few minutes past midnight. [and my energy level was at an all-time low!] But Thank God it was a success!
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