Christmas Isn't The Same Without You

The long awaited Christmas has finally come and gone...just like that! We have to start working hard once more to save up for next Christmas.

My kids had a great Christmas! They have their new toys to keep them busy till they decide they are bored of it!! But kids are kids.

Since having kids of my own, I've learned that Christmas is for the kids. No matter what happens, we as parents must try to make it a meaningful one for them. Christmas is not just about money or gifts, it's about spending time with loved ones and your kids and that should be priceless!

I love Christmas. There’s no other time of the year that excites me the way Christmas does, no other season that evokes in me warm, cozy childhood memories as Christmas does. Christmas is simply a Magical season. It’s that time of the year when the air is filled with lively exuberance, when spirits soar in joyous merriment, and families and friends get together to share love and re-live old traditions. Old traditions that isn't quite the same this year because my brother is away.

My husband kept asking me what I wanted for Christmas and I've thought long and hard about it and then realized that I've already got everything...the best family and friends ever! So what more could I really ask for? Actually there is something else I want and if there was a God, I would ask him for one Christmas wish and that would be to see my baby brother and to celebrate Christmas together again like we always did,... to laugh with him, hug him and to tell him I love him and am missing him.

Things have not been quite that easy for us in 2012 but it has definitely made us stronger as a family. And I hope for a better 2013 because my family deserves it.

So since we are on the topic of Christmas.... I happen to find this photo on a Facebook page of a different religion. Believe me I am not a holy person. I've given up on praying. I don't believe in any Gods and have very little faith. But seeing this got me really angry. This group of people gets pissed and defensive when other people poke fun at them but now it's ok for them to poke fun at others...???

They had a photo of a little boy sitting on Santa's lap and the caption read, "where are you in the bible Santa?" ... Then this moron had to add fuel to the fire and remark, "yes, where are you in the bible Santa?" 

What right have they got to ask a question like that? I don't know but I think they are being trouble makers! None of their bloody business I say. But I had to have my say in this and this was what I wrote....

"All of you are ignorant!! Santa is not a religion and even if he was, you don't have a right to ask him or us where in the bible he comes in! You should not be such troublemakers. You're so pathetic and un-knowledgeable, so let me explain... Santa Claus is the spirit of giving, the joy of bringing happiness to others by sharing. Majority of us have Santa Claus in us at Christmas when we give to our family, friends and charities!"

Of course I've had morons arguing with me but I left it be knowing full well these idiots cannot be taught!

Christmas Angels

 

I'm still very shaken by the Connecticut Elementary School shootings. It's a strange feeling I have, something I don't know how to explain. Every time I read an article about the incident or see Facebook posts on it, I control myself and hold back the tears. My heart aches and my tummy in knots. To think I'm almost 12,000 miles away and feeling this way... I can't imagine what the community in Connecticut are feeling? What about the families of the deceased?

I can't begin to imagine the horror the victims faced before their deaths. Most of the victims were so young. They had their whole lives ahead of them but instead this selfish miserable monster had to come and take it all away from them in an instant!

This has caught the attention of the world and parents like myself who has kids the same age as the victims have hugged and kissed our kids extra since this happened and am thankful our kids are right beside us and safe. But I think I know the reason as to why this has hit me real hard...

For one, I used to live only a couple hours away from this Newtown Connecticut and secondly, my kids could have been any one of those 20 victims. The fact that this problem had always worried both my husband and I while we were still living in the States.

When my daughter was born, my husband and I swore we will move back to Singapore where our kids will go to school and we will know and be assured that they are safe. After the last few shooting cases in USA, we are glad we stuck with our decision and we can pat ourselves on the back. It may sound selfish because lots of our family and friends back in the USA have got no other options to move out of there but I can't help being so grateful we had that option.

People overseas laugh at Singapore. They call us inhuman for canning the criminals and criticize the fact we hang truck traffickers. But because that's our law, we don't have the problems America have! We don't have people on welfare, we don't have drug addicts walking the streets or senseless shootings.

And for the Singaporeans who enjoys complaining about how our government run this place... watch the news everyday and think about it. If you still think the grass is greener on the other side then get the f*** out. I'd be honest, after living in the States for 10 years, it's made me realize how lucky we Singaporeans are. I also won't lie but my biggest complain about Singapore right now is the fact that I feel like a foreigner in my own country.

Well, enough of that. This post was meant to be about the recent Sandy Hook a elementary school shootings.

My heart aches every time I see the photos of those 20 angels who had their whole lives ahead of them yet it was taken away too soon. Can't ever imagine what the families of these victims are going through right now...to see the toys under the Christmas tree which will remain unopened come Christmas morning.

I am not a holy person but I pray for strength for the family members of these victims to get through this holiday season and for them to find some closure soon so they can move on.

The media finally is doing the right thing by not putting the spotlight on the killer. But I feel if they don't have any new reports on the case then they should stop publishing the same thing over and over again. Give it a rest until new leads are found. Harping on the same thing over and over again will not help the families to move on and it will not allow the 26 souls to rest in peace.

So let us all never forget these victims who were in this senseless shootings and pray for their souls to rest in peace.

I have yet to stop hugging and kissing my kids extra these days and thanking the man above for keeping them safe. What about you?

Have you ever wondered...

 

What made me decide on the topic of this post was when I was having dinner at Subway with my husband before getting the much needed Christmas shopping done. I ordered a roast beef sub with extra mayo... took my first bite and the mayo oozed out and on to my cheek. Of course it's a good thing we've been married for over a decade so I wiped it off and we laughed about it. It was then that I realised how glad I was that I didn't have to do the whole dating scene anymore or glad that at that moment I wasn't out on my first date. So that was how the idea of this post came about. And needless to say, if my date were to take me to Subway for our first meal, I'd totally ditch him right after.

So anyway, The first date: This is the moment that can make or break your chances with that someone you've drooled for. First dates provide a critical first impression... how you look, act, and present yourself will mean everything. Every word that comes out of your mouth and every single action you take, or even the ones you don’t will be analysed.

A first date can be a nightmare of anxiety. You want to make a good impression, so you agonize over what to wear, or you rehearse intelligent things to say. So for God's sake don't ruin it all by ordering some foolish food at dinner that is likely to make you a source of comedy or embarrassment for the rest of the night. But what are these danger foods?

Here, I will try to compile a list of foods that any sensible person should avoid when dining with a new companion. And don't let the title of this post fool you because these rules are in force for every meal until you and your partner first hook up, and they apply just as much to business meetings.

So are you ready to know what these foods are?

If you've read this far, you're aware that I mentioned Subway subs. That would be in the same category as burgers. But I must say that if your date takes you to a burger joint the first time you meet then you may want to reconsider going out with this person a second time... I'm just saying....

In my opinion these are the foods you need to avoid on your first date and note that they are not in any particular order.

1. Burgers

First of all, on a first date, never order food you eat with your hands. There is NOTHING more dangerous then a burger. Not forgetting extremely messy! Can you imagine after about three bites, your hands are covered in a revolting slime of mayo, grease, and special sauce, and your tomato is hanging precariously from the back of your bun. If you're lucky it will land on your plate.

2. Spaghetti

Yes, we all saw Lady and the Tramp, but that was a cartoon and they were dogs. In the real world, spaghetti is an underestimated date-killer. You’d think that pasta would be a safe choice, but trust me...you’re wrong. This is a dangerous situation to place yourself in because you run the risk of getting pasta on your outfit and if that happens, you might as well just head home. There's nothing remotely sexy about watching you hoover up wayward strands of pasta or listening to the constant screech of your fork against spoon or plate. Did I also mention that you might make the mistake of slurping your food? Gross. The risk is not worth the reward. Stay away at all costs.

3. Steak

I recommend you fight your carnivore urges at this point. Some cuts of meat may be difficult to cut while still actively engaging your companion in conversation. It’s highly likely that you’ll make a huge mess on your plate and God forbid if something slips while you’re holding a sharp knife.

4. Soup

No matter how delicious, it's a dating disaster. Like spaghetti, it's impossible to eat this gracefully... the slurping, the backsplash. Good lord, if you want to make a fool of yourself just stick the flatware up your nose and be done with it. So when your server asks, "Soup or salad?" the answer should be "None for me. Thank you. I'm driving," ... Haha I was kidding about that last part. However, I wasn't kidding about the soup being a no no.

5. Lobster and Crab

Avoiding these feeds precisely because they require you to use your hands. Anything that requires you to use your hands will be messy and leave a smell behind. It’s never a good look to have hands smelling fishy, be it from the food you’re eating, or from messing around with some unhygienic female.

6. Spinach or Salad

You might be wondering, “What’s wrong with spinach?” At first thought, pretty much nothing. Sure, it tastes great but what you haven’t considered is at the end of the night, when you go up to your mirror, you will be greeted with a mouthful of spinach! Any other small greens are equally as dangerous. You say you've climbed the highest peaks on five continents? You recently returned from rebuilding Haiti? You just sold the film rights to your novel? Doesn't matter. You have a little green leaf stuck between your teeth. You're a doofus.

7. Barbecue, chicken wings, fried chicken

What did I just say? No hands food! You may love a good plate of ribs or buffalo wings, but by the time you're finished you'll look like a 3-year-old in a high chair. You could try using a knife and fork, but then you'll just look like a priss or worse, your plate of ribs could end up on the other side where your date is seated.

8. Onions and Garlic

Here's a surefire way to guarantee your date ends in a handshake instead of a kiss... Order the garlic shrimp. Or the garlic bread. Or the pizza with garlic. The presence of either of these ingredients in your dish will kill any chance of getting a goodnight kiss after the date. Your breath will be rancid for the next few hours and your date will be truly disgusted every time you talk. Ain't no amount of furtive breath mints gonna mask your stanky breath. Not tonight, and probably not till Tuesday.

9. Watermelon and Corn on the Cob

Admittedly these don't come up much on first dates. But if you're getting together at a picnic or a barbecue, better keep these off the list. In the history of the world no one has eaten a watermelon without looking like a slobbering goof. And if you're looking to impress a date, avoid food that requires you to slide your face across a buttered surface and is guaranteed to lodge kernels so deep into your teeth you can't remove them with hydraulic tools.

10. Mexican, Indian, Thai food

What? This is nuts, you say. Whole categories of dining off limits? But think for a minute... What do all these foods have in common? Spice. And what does spice lead to? Come on, we've all been there... You're out with someone you like and respect, eating Thai food when all of a sudden you're seized with dread, and you realize it's begun. A slow rivulet of snot is inexorably descending from your left nostril. It doesn't matter if you catch it in time. More will follow. Rivers. Gushers. Your nose has become the Deep water Horizon of mucus, and no napkin on earth can help you now. You start snorting like a hog. You pray your date will look away so you can wipe your sleeve. Please! you beg to the patron saint of dating nightmares. Just look away!

11. Ice cream cone

A refreshing little cone of Double Chocolate might seem adorably romantic on a warm day, but it's a disastrous idea for two reasons. First, the minute you step outside, the laws of thermodynamics become your implacable enemy, and your rapidly melting Raspberry Mocha Swirl turns you into a frantically licking moron. Which brings me to reason two... On any first date, avoid foods you have to lick. No guy needs that kind of pressure. No woman wants that kind of attention.

Ok, by now I'm pretty sure you’re really pissed at me because I’ve likely named every delicious food you were craving. Call me the overbearing parent you hate for being right, but would you prefer to go on that first date and do the total opposites from what I mentioned in this blog and have to kick yourself after? I didn't figure.

A milestone for me at age 33

Whoever told you that you can't hit a milestone in your life at age 33 doesn't know what he/she is talking about!! I'm living proof that it can happen because last night I hit that! I slept in a hotel room alone (with the lights on all night but alone...I will slowly work at the lights off bit one day)... I've always been a coward and afraid of ghosts more than I'm afraid of thieves and I've never travelled alone. Even the few times I had to travel for work in the past, I always took my family with me and ever had to sleep alone.

I woke up this morning to have breakfast at the place I stayed at. Now I have to say that I really like this bed and breakfast idea.

Anyway when I was done the receptionist called for a taxi for me. I headed in to the spa office for the first time. What should have been a 10 minute taxi ride turned out to be an hour long because the driver couldn't understand a word of English and I couldn't speak a word of Thai! But finally I made it in to the office! Our business partner showed me around and walked me up to the 3rd floor and showed me my office. I'm speechless!

Two hours at the office and I had to leave with my business partner for a meeting with an associate and my sister in law.

After which I headed to Paragon Mall to meet with my brother's friend Alex. Good thing my dad mentioned briefly about how Alex looks like.... He was easy to spot. Chinese guy with tons of tattoos....yep! I spotted him!

One would think a guy like that would be all airs and macho and shit but he was the most gentlemen of Asian guys I have ever had dealings with!! I'm really impressed!

Passed him the things I was supposed to give to him. He didn't stay long as he had errands to run but he walked me to the taxi stand and waited till I got in to a taxi safe.

Got to love Bangkok traffic though. Almost two hours later, I finally get back to my room. I don't know how I'm ever going to get used to this! But no turning back now. Anyway, I crashed for a while then spoke to Ed and the kids before going out on my own to explore the place around this bed and breakfast and also go find something to eat!

I admit I walked in fear as the streets were dark and such but being streetwise, I stayed alert to the surroundings. I found a little restaurant and ordered some food and beer! Lonesome me sat at a big table all by my lonesome self! Haha.

Hit 7-Eleven to get some chips and more beer before returning back to my room.

Another lonely night. Goodnight folks.

 

 

 

Bleeding Heart

It's always been my dream to be my own boss. However, this is also a heartbreaking moment for any parent who loves their kids unconditionally.

Woke up at 6am this morning, kissed my husband goodbye before he left for the office, showered and checked through my things one last time to be sure I had everything packed. Called for a taxi then kissed my babies and mother goodbye. My kids were still asleep when I left although my daughter did wish me a safe trip.

It's been almost 10 years since I travelled alone. So the feeling now is different...it felt lonely not having to take care of more than just myself at the airport. I had breakfast at the departure hall. Avoided the spot my family and I always went to when we travelled.

I suppose the first time is always the hardest and as I get used to these business trips, it will slowly get easier...or so they say. I doubt I will ever get used to not having my kids near me!! Wonder how people do this?

Anyway, the two hour flight from Singapore to Bangkok was a nightmare! I had a migraine to begin with....and had to sit beside two screaming kids!!! One was at the back of me and the other in front!! Oh goodness! There was not a minute peace. It's as if they took turns crying and screaming!! This actually made me miss my kids more and appreciate them a whole lot more too! Not to mention how proud I am of them!! Since they were babies, they travelled with us and on long haul flights (27 hours to be exact) and never were they like these two monkeys! I even remember when my daughter was 8 months old, we took her on a two hour flight from Boston to New York and while we were getting off the plane, thus gentleman commented, "Who would have guessed we had a baby on board this flight? She's so good and quiet!"

Well, don't blame the blocked ears while in the plane because while we were waiting for our luggage, the brat was still kicking and screaming! I should have slapped the parents instead!

Headed straight to the hotel my sister-in-law worked at. Had lunch with her and did some catching up. Also discussed business and the next steps we are going to take and approach. She dropped me off at the hotel she had booked me in to after and I was on my own from there! It was a small but cozy bed and breakfast. I unpacked and didn't have much time to rest before I had to rush out to meet our business partners.

I finally got to meet this couple I had heard so much about and who I will be doing business with. And in person they are just as nice as what I've always heard about them. We discussed a little at their house and we made our way to the exhibition booth they had for the next four days!! It was about an hour car ride and while in the car we discussed plans some more.

Met two more girls who works for them and who I will also be working with now. I advised them on their booth and such and after close up, we all went for dinner together. They have huge hearts and sure do know how to take care of their guest. I had a great evening and I think I'm going to be loving the new business venture!!

And now it's time to put my courage to the test and try to sleep alone in this hotel room... Goodnight everyone.... Wish me luck.

 

 

 

Jonathan Knight

Those who know me well would be wondering why I am blogging about NKOTB member Jonathan Knight when I am so much an in between of a Jordan Knight and Donnie Wahlberg girl....

Well, the truth is, I'm a 'convert'. I'm still a Jordan and Donnie girl but after meeting the band twice this past June, I have to add Jonathan to that equation. And the other reason why I am writing this blog is because of an article I recently read in the local paper were they had interviewed Tiffany who was in Singapore for a performance. I've heard about this a while ago but reading it again in the papers really got me pissed...about how she outed Jonathan, that he was gay.

"Jonathan Knight publicly confirmed he was gay after Tiffany outed him on the tv show, Watch What Happens Live"

Personally I feel that she had no right to do that. If Jonathan wanted the world to know, he will tell the world when he was ready. I feel it's because of her that Jon was forced to do it sooner than he was ready to and that is just unfair! No human being should treat another like that. Gay? So what? I just don't understand why just because someone is a celebrity that they need to share every bit of personal detail of their life with the public?

I was actually quite excited to purchase a ticket to go see Tiffany as the first time I saw her in concert, I was only 11 years old. But I decided I wouldn't go. Because of the fact that I never did and never will support people who out people? Partly yes. But I had other personal reasons and commitments as well.

Although as per Daily Mail Reporter, dated 31 January 2011, on realising that Jonathan had not talked publicly about his sexual preferences Tiffany did apologise profusely on her Twitter feed. I still think whether one knows it or not, it's none of their business to bring up such a personal attack on anyone.

Jonathan being Jonathan (a total sweetheart) was quick to reassure her not to worry, adding that her comments had made him laugh. He said,'Tiff, please don't lose any sleep over it!' he responded. 'I know you weren't being mean and I found it to be funny!'

Well Jonathan is a very forgiving person and bless his heart.

Nevertheless, back to Jonathan...the elder brother of my boyfriend. Ha!

He was always the quiet and shy one. Not that he wasn't good looking or anything like that...I mean, he has the same blood as my boyfriend Jordan, you know? Well, I liked the outgoing, hot and sexy guy, the bad boy sort thus why I am a Jordan and Donnie girl. Makes sense right?

All these years it's always been Jordan Jordan Jordan or Donnie Donnie Donnie.... but I started to find Jon very pleasing and sweet once I got on Twitter. His tweets were always funny and he seemed like a down to earth person.

I was proven right when I met the boys (met Jon) in Jakarta and then in Manila this past June. Finally after more than 15 years!! Both times I did the Ultimate and had all the time with the boys alone without having to share their attention with any other fan! Jon was a sweetheart! Of course I was all over the two loves of my life but Jon never failed to amaze me with his attitude. So down to earth, so sweet and so attentive.

June 1 - met the boys for the first time in Jakarta. My dreams come true. Had the attention I've dreamed for all these years from Jordan and Donnie but surprisingly I spoke with Jon probably the most! He and I spoke about Koi fish and where I was from and such. He even asked for my Twitter handle and typed it in to his phone!

June 3 - met the boys again in Manila. This time it was even sweeter seeing that I got to spend more than 10 minutes with them! Time inside the room with them seemed like eternity and I wasn't going to complain. They recognized me from the Jakarta show which alone meant the world to me. My most favourite memory of Jon was the fact he pulled me towards him and asked to have a photo taken instead of the other way around! As he and I were getting in to position for a pose for the camera, Jordan ran towards us to get in the picture but Jon shoved him away and asked him to wait his turn. Wow! That is a memory that still remains fresh in my mind and one I will forever treasure. Jon seemed most talkative in Manila. He spoke up when their backstage hands didn't want the guys signing my mum's hat and my jacket. Jon said, "of course we can sign those!" and took the items from me and signed them and passed it to the rest.

Yes, I have fallen in love with another New Kid. I have fallen in love with Jonathan because of the real person that he is. I think I am not the only one who feels this way after meeting Jonathan Knight and I am certain many others could relate to this.

National Broadway Company

Today my mum and I attended a musical at the Esplanade called "National Broadway Company". It's a Musical conceived, written and directed by Ong Keng Sen who is the Artistic Director of TheatreWorks.

To be honest, I'm not the kind of person who likes to attend nor appreciate musicals but this one was different. It was different because my best friend was one of the performers and we went to show our support even through it was the closing performance. It started on the 12th of October. 

It was a good excuse to get out of the house. I really needed it with everything else that has been going on in my life. I needed the time away from work, stress and worries. So excited as we were, my mum and I both forgot our phones! We were in the taxi, quarter of the way of my journey when I realized I had my still charging on the desk. I needed my phone as I needed to contact my pals and their numbers were all on there! So we asked the taxi driver to turn around.  Wanted to use my mum's phone to call my husband to have him run my phone downstairs to pass it to me but realized she had forgotten hers too! Ha! Talk about how excited we were to be able to go out and distress!

Not that it really mattered whether we had our phones or not, there wasn't any service in the theatre and I've learned that the engineers and architects did this on purpose when building the theatre. Wow! I guess this will teach people a lesson...the people who likes to talk during movies and plays, the ones who don't switch their phones to vibration mode when supposed to.... those inconsiderate ones! 

Nonetheless, our seats were great! The Stall seats, fourth row. We could see everything!

The show started on time at 8pm and I loved how they made this musical a way to showcase our local talents and gave the people of Singapore, the public, a chance to vote for the new Artistic Director of National Broadway Company. Although we didn't get a chance to vote since we were at their last performance, we sure managed to witness the results. And who would have guessed who the winner would be? Dick Lee! Even he was surprised! Wonder why? Haha.

This was a story of the pioneering musical theatre in Singapore as it unfolds as they sing their hearts to the top.

This production featured characters inspired by some artists’ personal stories and recollections. Artists such as Dick Lee, Jacintha Abisheganaden, Koh Chieng Mun, Najip Ali, and Hossan Leong. It was performed by a cast of both young emerging talents as well as established artists.

I enjoyed it most because they featured songs from Singapore’s favourite musicals such as Beauty World and Fried Rice Paradise. It was very insightful,...it showed us that personal tragedy, individual strife, comic turns and artistic triumph are the stuff of dreams.

My BFF Leena Salim played the role of Gani Abdul Karim. She is a true star. She always shines when she is in the limelight. Watching her on that stage, I felt so proud. So proud of her and her accomplishments and so proud to be a part of her life. Seventeen years of friendship. Can't believe how it all started. I was only just a fan! (yes believe it or not...from the Under One Roof and Boom Boom Room days) It's just so hard to describe the feeling of what I feel for her when I see her up on that stage! Girlfriend, if you're reading this...thanks for coming in to my life when I needed a big sis the most and thanks for always being there for me. I am so proud of who you are and what you've accomplished in this lifetime.

Anyway, after the show, my BFF introduced us to Chua Enlai. My mum had met him before so this would be my first encounter with Chua Enlai a.k.a. Jacques Ooi a.k.a. B. B. See a.k.a. Pornsak Sukhumvit! Great first impression! He was a sweetheart.

And one last thing....How the hell does Dick Lee keep his youth? How come he hasn't aged? What's his secret? Is he the Peter Pan of Singapore? I am going to have to get my BFF to put me in touch with him so I can ask him! Haha.