.

2010-06-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

It's summer!
My sunflower plant makes me happy.

2010-01-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

Haven't updated in a while - but here's a snippet of some mundane things happening in my life. Okay, first I got this super cool marmite the other day - made from yeast from the official beer of England cricket. And then I made sunomono. And then I went on a aim-to-have-something-green-in-each meal-and-no-eggs-diet. I still have another 2 weeks of that, but I have yet to mentally psych myself enough to do that.

2009-07-28T13:46:00.001-07:00

Things I did today -

1) Put up my wardrobe and exhibited my girl guide skills anchoring the whole wardrobe (which is shaky, due to poor workmanship and because it is the cheapest I can find in ikea) to the wall so I won't wake up with the wardrobe on top of me.

2) Spoke to mum and had her laugh at me

3) Spent half the day hammering away in the patio trying to assemble the futon sofa chair thing. And possibly irritating the hell out of my neighbours at the same time.

4) Battled with mother of all lady long legs (the spider, albeit oestrogenised) found hanging above my head in the shower

5) Survived on just one cup of coffee and hainanese rice without the chicken.

2009-07-12T06:13:00.000-07:00

As part of my ongoing attempt to maximise space, I went along with Alex's advice and gotten myself a vacuum bag. Works pretty well, though I'm not sure Toffee likes it.

2009-07-11T10:10:00.000-07:00

Moving on to my CD collection as I set about further de-cluttering my life. Spotted one CD collection of music compiled by PQ years ago. Made me laugh, as I read through the titles (especially the 张学友 one). I feel old.

2009-07-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

Clothes for recycling - includes the old and unwanted, the too-bigs, the too-smalls, the new but never worn, the once-trendy-now-never-to-be-caught-dead-ins, and the oh-why-the-hell-did-I-even buy-its aka fashion disaster wear.

Includes my Tom Bao Jeans. They have lasted me 10 years, and endured many trips abroad. They even have tar markings from Nepal. I still love them, but I didn't think I would want to be spotted wearing bell bottoms anytime soon.

Ta-da! I reckon that's a pretty good effort on my part. If the Edinburgh Council's website is to be trusted, these bunch will be sorted and depending on usability, either go to charity shops for sales, or to be cut into shreds and sold us cleaning rags.

2009-07-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

One of the many reasons why I'm never able to fit my worldly possessions in the one car.

Highland terrier keyboard sweep / mouse hand rest I got from Mer as a birthday gift long long long time ago.

Pigle from Sui Kai. This is Pigle No 2. Pigle No 1 was from my First Year flatmates, but was lost within the hour of receiving it. I kicked up such a fuss my brother had to buy me a replacement one.

Ah Beng Cow from Hilary.

Random doggie memo clip I got from XG.

Got this from Mer when she went to Australia, like what, a hundred years ago?

TY bear from my host family in Croydon! The queen's golden jubilee edition.

Another TY bear, this time from Mayu in Boston.

Random furry friend from Denmark, again from Hilary.

This isn't actually mine. It's a gift to Hilary Wong from us when we were still stuck in Singapore and she was in UK. It was given to her with this random Tarzan lunch box (the only things we could afford from Watson at that time). How it ended up with me I have no idea.

Monkey from XG. This monkey has a name. I do not remember what.

It used to smell nice, not anymore. Gift from million years ago.

Ee-yor, a gift from a long time ago.

2009-07-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

七味唐辛子

Another exciting parcel today! Took me a while to figure out what this thing does.

2009-06-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

The 1-0-1 things I should throw away...

Duvet? It's good though it's probably dust mite infested.

Not chow, not toff.

Maybe the pen refills I bought 6 years ago but never got to use...

My television? Hmm will be expensive to get a new one.

Eh maybe some clothing items at a ratio of 1 per 1,000 item.

Not parting with any of my shoes though, I don't think (even the one I got in Dubai with the broken heel I keep meaning to patch up).

Downsizing is doing my head in.

2009-06-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

Martin Wishart, Edinburgh

My first 1 Michelin star restaurant.

2009-06-01T15:13:00.000-07:00

Fishing trip!

2009-05-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

What you do 5 am in the morning when you are jet-lagged and has nobody to talk to - take photos of your dog.

He followed me down and refused to go back up to sleep in the air conditioned room. Stupid dog.

Ginger's locked away in the toilet. All hell will break loose if I let her out this early in the morning.

2009-04-25T13:39:00.001-07:00

I got an exciting parcel from Japan!

Courtesy of Nao. Thank you Nao!!!

(Even though you can't see my website and thinks I've blocked you!)

2009-04-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

My name in Hawaii!!!!!!!

Not photoshopped!!!!

:)

2009-04-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

Alicante

2009-03-29T09:29:00.001-07:00

Animals!

2009-03-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

Food!

2009-03-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

More cupcakes!

Don't let them die! :)

2009-03-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

Hospes Amerigo, Alicante
Previously a Dominican convent, now translated into a lovely boutique hotel.
Note the open plan bath/washroom. The main door opens to a bathtub. Toilet bowl's round the corner where the stool is.

2009-03-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

In spain, where the sun is.

2009-03-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

Here's the collection of Rococo Bee Bars (aptly named, for each bars are highlighted with beautiful rococo patterns) Nao gave me before she left Edinburgh.
I have only tried the Cardamom-flavoured organic dark chocolate bar so far - deliciously rich in flavour, you can't really handle more than a tiny 1/6 portion of the 2 x 6 cm bar at any one time.

2009-03-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

I just bought a new camera! Love it love it love it.

And I'm going to Alicante!!!
In 1 working day and 7 working nights' time, that is.

And can I just show everyone my lovely orchid.

2009-02-15T10:25:00.000-08:00

New flat + messy bedroom

2009-01-28T14:16:00.000-08:00

Cupcakes! They were delicious~ Note the mickey mouse shaped sprinkles.

2008-12-20T16:42:00.001-08:00

Fairycakes!

2008-12-20T07:29:00.000-08:00

Mer mer, this is for you!

2008-11-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

Lake District
Stayed in Windermere, and went over to Grasmere and Ambleside.

2008-11-08T17:39:00.000-08:00

What to eat when you are cold and the credit in your pay-as-you-go gas meter has run out again.

2008-10-10T17:38:00.000-07:00

I saw Gordon Ramsay! And I was captured on the camera!!! In my sunday best too~

2008-10-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

PKP's birthday present.

2008-09-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

Put on the ritz~

2008-09-05T02:06:00.000-07:00

Cornwall

2008-09-01T00:29:00.000-07:00

Graduation Ball 3 July 2008

2008-07-21T17:58:00.000-07:00

(NOT me)

2008-07-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

A LOT of photos...

Me and my family~

The Ceremony...

My friends~

2008-07-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

Photos to come!

2008-06-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

My week of celebration.

2008-06-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

Petrified

2008-06-20T05:49:00.001-07:00

Check this out -

Bro's blog

2008-06-05T15:52:00.000-07:00

-~-

Thank you. Though I have to train you on your flower choosing skills! XD

2008-05-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

2008-05-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

My loving re-construction of the food pyramid for my nai nai.
My gentle revealation that Cereal and Potatoes ARE rich in carbohydrates was vehemently opposed by nai and ma. Dr Wong Sr had apparently given the all clear to potatoes and cereal. And of course, the you-still-have-a-couple-of-months-to-go person was dismissed as talking nonsence. =(

2008-04-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

哎哟，你这么都猛写那些让我很想哭的。

什么山盟海誓，什么海枯石烂，地老天荒。

-~-

海不会枯，石不会烂，地又什么时候会老，那又哪来的天荒。

2008-04-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

Venice

2008-04-05T15:49:00.001-07:00

2008-03-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

从芸的部落格那边偷来-

分手后不可以做朋友，因为彼此伤害过；不可以做敌人，因为彼此深爱过，

所以我们成了最熟悉的陌生人。

值得思考呢！

我最近成了好多人的爱情顾问，一直给与最‘旁观’的意见。因为不觉得外人可以评伦别人感情的处理态度。他爱你的方式不受苟同，但是他错了吗？只是选择了别人不认同的方式表达自己，希望最深爱的你也能接受。他没错，不值得大家用鄙视的态度批评指示，但不代表他做对了。你不再像以前一样爱他了，他的总总做法伤害了你，所以你选择放弃，你错了吗？可以说你自私吗，为了保护自己，不管他受伤害？还是说你是勇于保护自己，敢于放弃，敢于做出最理智的决定。

其实很多时候跟你们说的，我也不很了。只是想给你们一些思考空间。你们的决定我不干涉。我只能很诚心的祝福你们- 请大家一起加油吧！　

（这几天一直用华语跟你们沟通，发现其实我中文水平还真的不赖！！！）

2008-03-29T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hehe

Go Study!

2008-03-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

2008-03-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

哇哇哇!!! 报应啊!

以后要坚守那种‘劝和不劝离’的美德！

我知错了！

-~-

若即若离，不好受。

（我会写了哦！）

2008-03-17T05:25:00.000-07:00

My long weekend.

2008-03-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

Weeee!!! I got flowers from 帅哥 who wears gucci cufflinks!

He also happens to be the salesman I scolded over the phone (not realising he is actually quite a hottie).

Got my car yesterday! And a blardy bird had to vandalise it the very same day.

Off bird-hunting.

2008-02-24T03:38:00.000-08:00

I got the job I wanted

I bought 2 goldfish - still alive

I am trying to buy a car

I am proud of you! (Buying tissue paper)

2008-02-01T05:11:00.000-08:00

WILL YOU GUYS PLEASE BUY SOME TISSUE PAPERS!!!

I am not a great fan of tissue papers. I mean I use them, but I don't form a habit of carrying them around with me all the time. But when I'm back home, I always have an endless supply of little packets in my bags. Because I buy them whenever I see an old person selling them. I mean, really whenever. Me and my sis once had about 20 packets in our bags at a time just trying to shop along Orchard Road. My family does that all the time. My grandmother treats fellow old people to meals when she goes to the wet market for food (while she goes around cheating my taxi fares). The garang guni man likes us because he doesn't need to pay us when he collects old newspaper from our house.

I hate it when I see young people walking along the shopping district with all their bags of new clothes, and blatantly ignore the odd old man standing by selling packets of tissue papers. He's not begging - he's earning a living trying to sell them. It's only $1, you get 4 packets, and it's cheaper than what you get from Watson's. I get pissed off my friends when I bring up this issue. Because I find them an obstinate selfish bunch of bloody idiots when they don't see the point. I'm sorry if 'buying from 1 person doesn't help the entire society', or that 'they are probably bad parents who got abandoned by their children, and so they deserve having to be abandoned', or if 'they are just trying to gain your sympathy'. It makes me embarrassed on your behalf, how you try to mangle your way out of the little act of kindless you can do. If you can afford your M.A.C cosmetic (yes px, you are one of the guilty ones), your headphones, your La Senza kinky underwear, your newly bought LV wallet (yes YOU #@^*#@@(#!), then you can bloody go buy some tissue paper the next time you see an old person selling them.

Sorry, but it really pisses me when you guys are being so horribly annoying.

2008-01-29T08:57:00.000-08:00

I have been doing some serious car-buying research.
For the same amount of money, I can get a 4 year old Benz A Class or a brand new Citreon C1.
I will have to buy those leather spray if I get a 2nd hand car, so it can smell like it's brand new.
My car loan's not been approved yet though.
-~-
On a more serious note, have I told anyone I love my Daddy very much. He is the best Daddy in the world and he is my favourite person on earth. He is also very handsome and smart.
(my granny can return to the top spot once I get a car)

2008-01-25T17:35:00.000-08:00

My current thoughts.

2008-01-25T09:59:00.000-08:00

I just spent a 10-hour A&E shift doing cannulation, venepuncture and ECGs. The joy!

Did manage to see a patient with this gash across the back of his head. I had the honour of inserting my finger into his head and gauging the depth (no it didn't quite make it to the brain) of the laceration. That was 4am mind you, and had to cut his hair and staple him up.

And I did make a mess of that job.

2008-01-06T14:01:00.000-08:00

I am not a very sentimental person. After years of experience, I've learned to see when one is 'not worth the effort' or when one is just going to be another of those people I'll manage to meet as I work my way through the different phases in my life.

But then there's some people so important to me. I was reading the blog of an old friend the other day. And this old friend, I've not been in touch with for a long time. I don't know what she goes through in that life of hers, seemingly running parellel to mine, yet so very different. Anyway, I'm surprised how I'm upset for her sake, reading how she's hurting still.

I have these bunch of people from 'back in the old days'. These people, I probably won't manage to carry out a distant conversation with if we had not had those past memories together, if they were just random people I happen to meet. (Hell, some of these people annoys the hell out of me sometimes when I read their blog. And no, I'm not talking about you). But they are still such an important part in my life.

Anyway, conclusion: I miss you guys.

KY and XY, we need to catch up man. And SZ, you too.

xxx

2008-01-02T05:43:00.000-08:00

Florence and Pisa.

2008-01-01T02:55:00.000-08:00

Rome (pardon my postman bag attempt to take over all the photos)

2007-12-18T09:37:00.000-08:00

GY has been relegated to the study room. Apparently, he has an ear infection that can spread to the rest of the family, and so is no longer allowed to sleep in the comfort of the air-conditioned master bedroom.

2007-12-17T09:02:00.000-08:00

I made pineapple fried rice! And played wii afterwards. By the way, that's a picture of WH thrashing MH. :P And Gabby is very violent too. She hit me on the head.

2007-12-15T03:30:00.000-08:00

MRI was negative. =)

2007-11-23T16:29:00.000-08:00

走钢索的人。

2007-11-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

Obviously I'm sad by this. I am increasingly aware of how reliable I am on the other one.

And that means clubbing shound be kept to a minimum.

2007-11-10T15:05:00.000-08:00

Willow charcoal was great fun to play with! It was incredily quick experimenting with it. It's very very soft, and so smudges very easily. Will need to get fixatives for if i want to keep these drawings for long. It also leaves your hand all smudged up and black after using it. Thank you! :)

2007-11-01T05:53:00.000-07:00

Puppy Yeng. He used to be rather playful.

2007-10-31T15:03:00.000-07:00

Junie is a bit scared.

2007-10-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

I quote (in a very weird accent) 'Gua Di Dio Du Dui Lai Tou Gang'.

One of the most independently forceful influence swaying my decision at the moment.

2007-10-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

Dogs have bad hair days too!

2007-10-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

Not finished yet. I still want to add a cake!

Non-academic achievement - I'm pretty good with fimo.

2007-10-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, you guys get the gist. I'm kind of obsessed with kitsh jewelry these days, and I'm hoping I'll be able to make a bracelet kitsh yet cool - fimo way. Those who are sniggering and thinking how childish this looks at this very minute, watch this space.

2007-09-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

Different people this time, and with less consequential results, but which made me think about things all over again. That really scared me. It felt like how it was when I got the news that time, much milder of course.

I don't like hearing such news, they remind me of what happened to you. :(

2007-09-22T05:56:00.001-07:00

Oh I'm also practising how to pout at the moment.

2007-09-22T04:37:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already heard me whine about it - I miss boston.

Or rather, I miss my time in boston.

I'm missing the people there, the ones that enveloped me with kindness and readily befriended me with no qualms - we were simply people who crossed path.

I miss the me in boston. Somehow, a new place brought out something which I like, some self confidence, some loveliness in me. In a very twarted way, it makes sense, that you do not expect others to love what you yourself cannot love. If I'm being too philosophical for you, it simply translate that others can only love you when you learn to love yourself first.

And then I left Boston and brought the better me back where I am now.

And then I managed to lose it again. :(

I miss Boston.

2007-09-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

There's a new addition to my life.

2007-09-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

2007-08-28T13:29:00.001-07:00

2007-08-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

I am becoming very good at cooking. :) I'm not even scared of touching chicken anymore.

2007-08-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

Hehe. This is called 敷衍了事.

Will post more after I managed to collect all photos taken. :)

2007-08-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

Today, a little brother contacted me.
-~-

I still remember the people who took such great care of me when I was alone, aged 16, in a foreign country, ignorant of the local customs and language, unaccomstamed to the food (Dhal Bhat) and weather. The language barrier did not stop us from developing wonderful relationships, that of mother and daughter, and siblings alike. I still remember how delicious Ah Ma's Aloo and Nann were, and how she was worried I was surviving on just potatoes and bread (I gave up having Dhal Bhat everyday pretty soon). And the wonderful Chai she made, and which I so unsuccessfully tried to brew myself (she had generously gave me a packet of the tea leaves she uses before I left).

And I still remember the day I was first introduced to the famliy, and how tickled they were when I used the same Nepali sentence to introduce myself again and again to the many members of this family. And how excited they were when they helped me dress myself in a Sari to attend a wedding. The day me and the kids brought food to those working in the rice fields, me carrying the kettle while they carried heavy buckets of rice and vegetables. The time the boys killed a cockroach for me just so I can use the shower. Did I mention the day I forgot to turn the tap off and used up their supply of hot water? And not one word of frustration from this people. They just laughed kindly. And how the girls helped me with my laundry, after seeing obvious remains of mud in the laundry load I had declared as washed and clean.

Years has passed since I left this family, and yet I still get the odd emails and messages telling me that they miss me, urging me to visit them.
Such beautiful people and with such kind hearts.

-~-

I told the little brother, now a find handsome young lad (you such see all those flirty messages he get on his photo album), the next time I go back to Nepal, it would be to attend one of their wedding. Which I believe would be pretty soon.

2007-08-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

My American-Boston experience ranges from the Red Sox games, the Popeye chicken I sneaked out to get one afternoon Boss was not around, to the chinese takeaway which comes in those little white boxes you see in the movies.

2007-08-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

My fellow Minado buffet patrons. Well, not quite.

Junie B. Jones! I really want the entire set.

2007-08-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

My lunch today.

2007-08-01T21:53:00.000-07:00

You'll need to refresh the browser if you missed the animation.

2007-07-31T13:05:00.000-07:00

This is a post I wanted to put up for a long time, and never got around doing it till now.

-~-

The wedding speech I wrote for them -

"Hello. For those who doesn’t know me, I’m Junie, Hilary’s sister. I trust everyone is enjoying their dinner, but I’ve been asked to do a speech so please bear with me while I ramble on for the next few minutes. Before I start, can I just say that Hilary, you look absolutely gorgeous tonight. And Siong Seng, you don’t look too bad yourself.

I remember I first met Siong Seng at a family gathering. Likewise, it was the first time he met the entire family. And it was during this first meeting that I concluded that my sister – has weird taste. Throughout the evening, Siong Seng was just sitting in a corner keeping quiet. I tried talking to him, he just gave me short answers. Not exactly the best conversationalist. I tried joking with him, he just gave me weird looks, not understanding my jokes at all. After a while, I gave up and decided that we simply just weren’t on the same wavelength.

However, that was years ago. When I went to Edinburgh for my studies, I had the pleasure to get to know them as a couple. I would go over to my sister’s flat for dinner with her and Siong Seng. And although conversation was dry, food was bad, and most of the time I had to wash the plates, I really enjoyed their company. Most importantly I got to know Siong Seng much better. He would bring me out for dinner, help me with my work, advice me when I’m in trouble and basically look out for me. Like a big brother. He won me over after a couple of dinner treats. Siong Seng is a brilliant guy and is loyal, sincere, humble, intelligent, considerate, good-looking, trustworthy… (at which point I looked and Siong Seng and told him his handwriting is really bad). In any case, he’s the perfect man for my sister, just the right brother for me and Keith, the ideal son for my parents and the best new addition to our family. And that’s Siong Seng for you.

There’s nothing more I can add to what everybody here must already know about my sister. Doesn’t go anywhere beyond the looks to be honest. On a serious note, I am most grateful to have such a beautiful and lovely sister. Hilary, it was nice growing up with someone like you - someone who is my best friend, someone I can trust to care for me, protect me and love me as I am.

And here I propose a toast to Siong Seng and Hilary.

Remember, to the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.

My greatest wish for the two of you is that through the years your love for each other will so deepen and grow, that years from now you will look back on this day, your wedding day, as the day you loved each other the least. May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future.

Siong Seng, welcome to the family. Please take care of my sister. She’s very precious. Hilary, please be nice to him, he pays the mortgage.

Thank you".

2007-07-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

The fortune cookie said
'His heart was yours from the moment you first met'

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

2007-07-26T20:21:00.000-07:00

Sexy lips - my new wallpaper. I had the hand wallpaper for a long time, and I decided it's time to create a new one.

2007-07-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

Mad weekend. So the itinary was as follows -
Thur 19 July 2345 Boston -> Fri 20 July 0630 Montreal
Fri 20 July 2100 Montreal -> Sat 21 July 0330 Toronto
Sun 22 July 1100 Toronto -> Niagara Falls -> Mon 23 July 0330 Boston
Mon 23 July 0900 -> Back to work :(
Needless to say, I'm knackered.

2007-07-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

Food I sampled during the trip.

2007-07-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

Montreal

Strange little place, but lovely nonetheless. It's weird that this is Canada we are talking about, but still this place retains so much Frence influece. We were just fortunate to catch a glimpse of the 'Just for Laughs' festival.

2007-07-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

Toronto

Toronto is such a wonderful place. Cheap food which is authentic. The chinatown here is fantastic. A city well equipped with lovely shops, beautiful architectures and a diversity that rivels that of London and New York, but manages to exude some sort of order and tranquility unlike many great cities in the world. I might just see myself living here if opportunities arises.

Hehe... of course, the fact that I was staying at Hilton's probably helped encourage my liking the city.

It was great fun meeting up with Victor and his friends. We went to Panorama, this lounge which has a fantastic view of the skyline of Toronto.
We played games (this thumb and guessing game) and whoever who lost each round had to do a dare. So the dares included having to do 10 jumping jacks, staring at the wall for 2 min, high-fiving everyone at the bar, giving a random person massage for 30s, going up to 10 people and shaking their hand while saying 'Welcome to Panorama'. You get the gist. It was crazy but so much fun.

2007-07-25T19:01:00.001-07:00

Niagara Falls - The Canadian side
Went on a trip aboard Maid of the Mist.
Fantastic.

2007-07-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

I had to hold it down. It was all soft and tiny. And it kept squeaking and struggling under my hand, like it was in pain.
I feel so bad.

-~-

Baraa said the tumour won't grow because I injected it without 'faith'.

2007-07-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

New York City

2007-07-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

The 9th Annual Festival at Lake Hibiscus (in the cemetary :s).

2007-07-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

I feel like I'm writing a food blog these days. Bibim Naeng Myon (cold spicy buckwheat noodles) and the lovely Pat Bing Su (shaved ice and red beans dessert).

2007-07-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

These cells grow like crazy.

2007-07-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

Because everyone has been so nice. Dinner for those who has been so kind to me in Boston.

2007-07-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

Because I'm a good sister, I decided I'll encourage your blogging habits by helping you generate some traffic. Which means linking you and referring by pathetic few friends (I'm being modest okay) to your blog.

http://cupofchai.blogspot.com/

2007-07-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

I just realised I didn't post any pictures of my birthday.