Back to rebonded hair. No fuss, no styling and ready to go all the time! Worth every cent and minute spent at the hair salon.

P.s Took me 5 hours to write the Birthday msg on the paper...but its alright...cos its for our missus...HP

I will turn 27 years old tomorrow.

As the years go by, I am less excited about birthdays. The well wishes, cake and presents were great, but besides that, it is just another day.

The past years were no bed of roses but I thought life has been smooth sailing for me. Wouldn't want to change a bit or ask for more.

And I am thankful for my youthful looks! Haha, there were many times when clients asked if I am fresh out of school! Is it in the genes, the facials, the beauty products or the attitude????

Nevertherless, Happy Birthday to me!

Met a guest from UK today and he spent close to an hour telling me about his wonderful wedding last year... by the way, it was his second and his eldest son is already 31 years old! He told me that I should do something really memorable.. having good friend make speeches,doing the first dance... in short, doing it the western way. I am VERY interested.

Work is piling up and I think with 25 hours straight working hours, I still can't finish them. Enquiries, changes to requirements, revision of contracts and questions from the clients... there is hardly time to think or to plan.

I used to bring home work and then try to complete some at home at night or over the weekend. Not now anymore. I rather spend my time watching tv, surfing the net and simply, doing nothing. I think I deserve the rest, putting in close to 12 hours of work hours a day.

People change, mindset change, priorities change and energy level change.

I am not blaming myself for being less hardworking (in that sense) but rather, I think I seek a more balanced lifestyle now. I rather be home talking to my family or Dearie or perhaps, meet up with friends or entertain myself with Korean Drama. I have decided to channel my energy towards other things that matter to me now .

Last week, Dearie said he has a surprise for me and this was what I found in my office's inbox. (extracted from his email)

"chew TT, Piglet and Hampy Porkland want to say hello to their missus, so
they asked me to take a photo of them together...and send it to you...they
miss you so much...they say pls come back soon ( cos the f$#@%$ we sleep
with dont smell as nice) and love you too...

Oink you always,

Dave Chew and the trio of Chew TT, Piglet and Hampy Porkland"

As always, I'm amazed by the efforts he put in to brighten up my day.

In recent months, I know of at least 4 couples who broke up (my friends).
3 had long term relationship - one couple was together for seven years , the other 2, were planning for marriage.

Sometimes love can't take the test of time, somethimes its the expectations that changed, sometimes, there is a third party and sometimes, there is no reason at all. Sometimes its for the good, sometimes, it is for the worse.

Stepping out from my previous relationship of 4 years, was one of the boldest thing I ever did ... it wasn't a bad relationship...But somehow, I was prompted to make a quick decision and I did ... sometimes we cannot be 100% sure, but relatively sure, is enough. I allowed my heart to rule...

I have never been happier.

Everyone knows that nothing is guaranteed; but when happiness is here, grasp every moment and savour every moment.

As planned, had my hair rebonded today - S$155, inclusive of the $5 Chinese New Year surcharge. Last visited Desmond's salon about a year agao and today, I left the salon with a brand new hair style and a feeling of brand new me - so much lighter and fresher! No more trouble in the morning - no more blowing of hair, wax, sculpting lotion, pins, clips... perhaps, can even catch a few more minutes of sleep or conversation with Dearie.

Last night I was thinking how best can I spend my day off. Decided to do something outside rather than spend my time sleeping at home. There were a few options - go for a Javanese massage, buy a magazine and enjoy coffee in Starbucks or watch Memoirs of a Geisha. I have decided not to call anyone but to enjoy the "ME" time!
Decided on watching "Memoir of a Geisha" alone before dinner with Mum and Jaz.

Thought the show starts at 3.45pm and when I arrived at the boxoffice at 3.35pm, then did I realised that the show started at 3.25pm! I thought the cinema will be empty since its a normal school / work day, but I was wrong. The couple who was in front of me at the queue in front of me was given tickets in the "first three rows".. luckily, I was alone, managed to get the 8th row from the front.

I've never read the story but Dearie said it was a good book. I went into the theatre, knowing that it will be good show. I left the theatre feeling that its a great show. The scenery, the story line, the eye-candies...etc. Never thought of visiting Japan, but after the show, I think I might.
The love the different roles have for the ones they loved, gave them courage and motivated them, to step forward, to do things that is out of their boundaries. I was moved by the last part, the unexpected plot. If all things and relationship could end up as beautiful...

Synopsis..."In the years before World War II, a Japanese child is torn from her penniless family to work as a geisha house. Despite a treacherous rival who nearly breaks her spirit, the girl blossoms into the legendary geisha Sayuri. Beautiful and accomplished, Sayuri captivates the most powerful men of her day, but is haunted by her secret love for the one man beyond her reach"

Feeling a bit sentimental today, perhaps I should write about "D" and "W".

"D" and "W" have been with me for the past 10 years.

A few weeks after we knew each other, Dearie (know as "Dave" back then, no fancy names like Dearie or hubby chew), gave me "W" - it is obviouly, the initial for my name. That day, I was sick - he called and said had something to pass to me. Met him downstairs and he passed me the gift. I was pleasantly surprised as I never know that a sick person is entitled to a free gift! We were merely friends then. But of course, "Dave" left a deep impression and earned himself many cookie points!

"D" came along much later, after we got together. According to Dearie, it took a while as he was saving money for it!

The amazing thing is that I did not throw "D" and "W" away ever after we have parted ways. The 2 bears sat quitely in a shoe box, tucked in a corner of my room. In the same shoe box, lies the rest of the cards that were sent to me (from him), over the years. Its strange, as I would usually discard things like that from my exs. And he too, did not throw away the cards that I gave him though he contemplated.

Now, we have collated all the cards and they are now being kept in one my drawers.
As for "D" and "W", they saw light again (out of the shoe box), the very day we got back together. Its funny, did we all secretly expect this day to come?

By the way, the dark brown bear sitting next to Winnie, is named "DW" - "D" and "W" combo / inspired! Lame??? Ask Dave - his the culprit!

I MUST go on leave on Thursday and I MUST go for rebonding!

My hair was rebonded for the past 3 years till I decided to go for a perm last July.
Though "volume" is the key word now but I really don't care about being trendy if it cost too much time, effort and money.

Rebonding is the most fuss-free way of keeping my hair in place and shape. Wash and go and no need to worry about waking up to a bad hair day in the morning. Not much treatment needed and always looking neat and tidy - and it shaves off 5 years from my face- i think! :-)

The perm in Jul was a nice change.. suddenly, I feel so much more feminine, so mature.. haha.. but then again, too much effort needed to maintain it. Lotions,treatments, wax.. Not to forget, the hair dropping agony that I went through each day. At home, the floor was constantly filled with strands of hair..I got worried, wondering if I will loose all my hair like that!ei

In Dec, I snipped off the ends as my hair was too dry. It was a pretty bad cut and hence, I went for a trim again yesterday.

And I am still not happy due to my natural curls. To be up continued after I fixed my hair..

Dearie said the kiddos will wear this next time!


Met up with the gals last week and besides the usual update, we spoke about marriage, child birth and all ...

We laughed-wondering how our lives have moved on.

We tried recalling what we used to talked about 10 years ago. I think we were talking about the class next door, bad-mouthing about the teachers, thinking about what to do for the next chalet or BBQ, how to sabotage the next birthday boy or gal...

Though we have matured and aged over the years, Jas and I agreed that we have grown to be more comfortable with ourselves. No more insecurities and no more bothering about how people view us. Knowing what lies ahead and being prepared for the things to come seems more important than trying to impress someone.

Jen feels that there is no one to please other than herself and that its not worth sacrificing for anyone else. Money making is important.

Hanni being the usual carefree soul, looks like she is happy with the way life is now. I am happy to see her attached again.

Some views were similar while some differ. But I am glad the bond and friendship remained.

Thats DW (the "Security Guard" who watches over me while Dave is away) and Winnie.

I've always been a happy person.. perhaps its because I don't set overly high expectations, sometimes, I feel that I don't have expectations. Most of the time, I am happy with the way things turned out. Even if they don't turn out right, they don't me bother much.

Sometimes I feel that I live in my own La-La land.. like the Teletubbies thats always so happy.. erh.. no link... but well, get my point right???

Happiness Is... (in random order)
- the first taste of ice-cream on a stressful work day
- when you know that there is someone in the other end of the globe who loves you
- receiving a text message from a friend who you have not spoken to in a long while
- a girls-night out
- receiving a surprise email from your love one in the morning
- clearing your in-tray and inbox before you head home from work
- having family members you can talk to
- knowing you have someone to depend on
- having new make-up, clothes, accessories to wear
- knowing that your God loves you so much that He/She has no time to count your flaws
- watching a kid laugh
- looking at the engagement ring once in while
- getting a seat in the MRT train when you needed it most
- having a hot coffe / tea on a cold winter day
- hiding under the blanket on a rainy day
- having someone to hug to sleep
- knowing that you need not worry about housing, food and purchases
- having a holiday to look forward to
- knowing that someday, you will be someone's wife, mum, grandma...
- having a satisfying meal
- attending someone's weddding and knowing that they truly love each other
- getiing a menicure / pedicure
- knowing that your friend trust you cos she confides in you
- hearing your favourite track on radio
- when the hairdresser did a good job for you
- giving a name to the new soft toy (Hampy, Piglet & Chew TT - the trio! DW & Winnie...)
(to be con't)

Its been wonderful receiving each and every of the well wishes from my family members and friends. I'm glad many share our happiness.

Though there will not be any party till Dearie is back in Singapore mid next year, we will definitely start planning (and start saving)...
Don't think that there will be any bash of big-time pig-out session but we will definitely love to organise something before the actual wedding (do we call that an engagement party??) Will definitely keep it "as less-cheesy as possible".
For the curious, there will be no ROM as its gonna be a church wedding for us. :-)

Asked him yesterday if he was nervous days before the actual proposal... He said he was never hesitant, he was never afraid to commit. He knew very clearly that he is stepping into another phrase of his life and this should not be taken lightly.

For me, there was no hesitation in saying YES. For I know how sincere this man is and that I can always depend on him. He is more than what he appears to be... I just hope that I have as much to offer him.

Now and then, I will take a quick look at the ring, and smile. As much as I am always happy with the way my life is, somehow, life seems even better now.