I've found my long lost love last night, after much hesitation. I've been thinking long and hard - whether to replace the existing built-in oven's heating element; get a whole new built-in oven or just a stand-alone one. To replace the heating element costs $250 and I don't know its history (it was already there when we moved in). A cheapest, brand new built-in one costs $699 after discount (it's gonna burn a huge hole in my pocket). The stand-alone type is gonna take up all the space that's left in my already-packed tiny kitchen top. Decisions, decisions, decisions.
After some negotiations with Mr. Blockhead, we decided to head down to Kallang Leisure Park to check out the ovens again. The Great Singapore Sale is on anyway. True enough, there was a greater bargain! Another model, assembled in Italy, with similar specs as the quoted $699 Electrolux model, was on sale for $490! It's still early to tell if I've hit the jackpot though. It better be churning out good stuffs. I'm eagerly awaiting for its arrival on 2 Jun! Yay~ :D
May 31, 2011
May 13, 2011
Friday the 13th: Goodbye, My Love
Today marks the day - the day when I parted with my love, Fujifilm X100. It was a love-hate relationship. Not so much of hate though, but his slow start-up and focusing really got on my nerves. Our relationship was short-lived but well-spent together. We've only been together for a month, exactly one month. We met online. He was old-school and dashing. He was so charming, he swept my feet off the ground. The next thing I knew, I was swimming in the lake of love! Day and night, I was looking forward to hold him. The day came, 13th April, when I finally held him in my hands. He was sturdy and well-built, totally gorgeous... I thought we'd never part. But, alas!
The moment we parted, I knew there was no turning back. I felt a part of me was gone. Emptiness welled up inside of me now. He will be missed. He will forever live in my heart.
Moving on, Sony Alpha 35 seems like quite a good catch and Sony Nex C3 looks cool too. But deep down I know that X100's old-school charm is unsurpassed. Sigh. I think no amount of time given is enough for me to get over him... Nevertheless, I'll mark my calendar for the announcement of Sony's new releases (it's on 3rd June by the way). ;)
May 11, 2011
26 Apr 11
The mood's so different today. What meant as a pleasant surprise turned into a sad ceremony. We attended his uncle's funeral. I could see his aunt's sorrows under her smiles as she chatted with us and played with D. No masks can ever be thick enough to hide that. His two beautiful nieces... Their once twinkling eyes looked glassy and distant. Tears must have washed away their porcelain complexions too.
Depression had driven his uncle to take this path. I can never fathom these roots of complex situations. I've always yearned to move to Korea with my family. Yet, the Koreans always tell me that it's stressful to live here. Everyone is fighting hard to make a living. Market's saturated with graduates. Being armed with a degree doesn't guarantee one with a good paying job anymore. What will D's future be like if he lives in Korea?
I see my 'picture perfect' in a different light now.
Depression had driven his uncle to take this path. I can never fathom these roots of complex situations. I've always yearned to move to Korea with my family. Yet, the Koreans always tell me that it's stressful to live here. Everyone is fighting hard to make a living. Market's saturated with graduates. Being armed with a degree doesn't guarantee one with a good paying job anymore. What will D's future be like if he lives in Korea?
I see my 'picture perfect' in a different light now.
25 Apr 11 - A Bittersweet Surprise
Although Mr. Blockhead live up to this nick, he can be sweet at times too. He had wanted to give his mom a surprise visit this time.
He called up his mom this morning to tell her that we're in Korea and would be going over in the afternoon. His manly tone turned worried and solemn as he went into the third line of conversation. His sobbing mom had told him that his uncle had committed suicide last Friday...
He called up his mom this morning to tell her that we're in Korea and would be going over in the afternoon. His manly tone turned worried and solemn as he went into the third line of conversation. His sobbing mom had told him that his uncle had committed suicide last Friday...
May 05, 2011
23 Apr 11's Power Lunch
I was seriously deprived of sleep for 4 consecutive days and woke up with a bad backache this (very early) morning. That's the price I've to pay for staying over at his friend's place instead of my MIL's. I take my hat of the Koreans. How can anyone get used to sleeping on a few layers of comforters laid on the floor? Am I too pampered?
We had to meet his buddies in Anyang for lunch today and I looked like I needed a paper bag over my head. Piles of concealer couldn't hide my panda eye rings... 45 mins of driving later, a street full of cherry blossoms and delightful cafes greeted us. My fatigue was soon overcame with anticipation. Sigh... If only I could renovate my home to look like that good.
The restaurant looked so welcoming, my appetite's whet before I even knew what's on the menu.
The restaurant staffs were really thoughtful. They divided the portions for us according to how we were seated. For starters, this fresh and tangy salad sure fired up my appetite. I've never tasted any salads this good.
I'm not sure if this black sesame paste was meant to be dessert. It was served right at the beginning of our meals. Anyway, it was rich and thick, not too sweet either. Would be great if the portion's bigger. Hehe...
Yikes! Prawns on jellyfish!!! Sorry, avoided this dish but it looked gorgeous for a shoot.
Oh, I love this! It's Water Chestnut Flour Jelly. It's tasteless by itself, but careful seasoning takes it to a whole new level. Thumbs up for this one.
I'm not quite sure what's this made up of. But it's yummy anyway.
This one's superb. Under those greens laid some ultra tender and juicy sliced beef with a crispy coating. Wrap them up in the green leafy veg and smear on some mayo and special chili paste, you'll get an explosion of flavors in your mouth. Cunning Mr. Blockhead almost left none for me!
The next one, Jap Chae, looked ordinary, just like the one you could order from KimBap Nara. And yes, it tasted like one too. BUT, Jap Chae never tasted lousy before. Perhaps I haven't come across one.
The upcoming one was amazing. The pork fat literally melts in your mouth! Not to mention that its meat's tender too. And its pairing with mustard - BRILLIANT.
Call me bias. But I had to try this one. The prawn looked like the crunchy sort instead of the usual texture... And boy, I was right! Absolutely crunchy, sweet and spicy.
I never knew kimchi could look this good. They usually look messy to me. It tasted as good too. This one was the "fresh" kimchi. It hadn't been fermented for long. Hence, the cabbage still retained its sweetness and crunch.
Here's the last dish on the menu - BiBimBap. No bells and whistles, though. It tasted typical like any other BiBimBaps would.
Wow. I could barely feel my waist after we were done. Great service, great food, great ambience and most importantly, D behaved well throughout our lunch. Wonderful dining experience indeed! :D
There wasn't any better way to burn off calories other than taking a stroll under the alpine skies and cherry blossom trees after lunch. Lucky D, he had the chance to see the cherry blossoms on his first trip here! And it was my first on my 8th trip. D must be my lucky star.
We had to meet his buddies in Anyang for lunch today and I looked like I needed a paper bag over my head. Piles of concealer couldn't hide my panda eye rings... 45 mins of driving later, a street full of cherry blossoms and delightful cafes greeted us. My fatigue was soon overcame with anticipation. Sigh... If only I could renovate my home to look like that good.
The restaurant looked so welcoming, my appetite's whet before I even knew what's on the menu.
The restaurant staffs were really thoughtful. They divided the portions for us according to how we were seated. For starters, this fresh and tangy salad sure fired up my appetite. I've never tasted any salads this good.
I'm not sure if this black sesame paste was meant to be dessert. It was served right at the beginning of our meals. Anyway, it was rich and thick, not too sweet either. Would be great if the portion's bigger. Hehe...
Yikes! Prawns on jellyfish!!! Sorry, avoided this dish but it looked gorgeous for a shoot.
Oh, I love this! It's Water Chestnut Flour Jelly. It's tasteless by itself, but careful seasoning takes it to a whole new level. Thumbs up for this one.
I'm not quite sure what's this made up of. But it's yummy anyway.
This one's superb. Under those greens laid some ultra tender and juicy sliced beef with a crispy coating. Wrap them up in the green leafy veg and smear on some mayo and special chili paste, you'll get an explosion of flavors in your mouth. Cunning Mr. Blockhead almost left none for me!
The next one, Jap Chae, looked ordinary, just like the one you could order from KimBap Nara. And yes, it tasted like one too. BUT, Jap Chae never tasted lousy before. Perhaps I haven't come across one.
The upcoming one was amazing. The pork fat literally melts in your mouth! Not to mention that its meat's tender too. And its pairing with mustard - BRILLIANT.
Call me bias. But I had to try this one. The prawn looked like the crunchy sort instead of the usual texture... And boy, I was right! Absolutely crunchy, sweet and spicy.
I never knew kimchi could look this good. They usually look messy to me. It tasted as good too. This one was the "fresh" kimchi. It hadn't been fermented for long. Hence, the cabbage still retained its sweetness and crunch.
Here's the last dish on the menu - BiBimBap. No bells and whistles, though. It tasted typical like any other BiBimBaps would.
Wow. I could barely feel my waist after we were done. Great service, great food, great ambience and most importantly, D behaved well throughout our lunch. Wonderful dining experience indeed! :D
There wasn't any better way to burn off calories other than taking a stroll under the alpine skies and cherry blossom trees after lunch. Lucky D, he had the chance to see the cherry blossoms on his first trip here! And it was my first on my 8th trip. D must be my lucky star.
22 Apr 11 - We survived!
We've managed to survive the flight and arrived at the Incheon Intl' Airport today. I've probably frightened quite a few passers-by along the way. How could I be glowing with radiance without sleep anyway?
Thankfully, D managed to catch some forty winks in the carrier as we waited for Mr. Blockhead's friend to pick us up. He's usually the one waiting for us at the airport, but this time, he didn't. He didn't know our arrival time.
That's fine. I had some breakfast as we waited (Mr. Blockhead claimed he didn't want any). Food is constantly on my mind no matter where I am or even if the sky comes crashing down. Not too far away, a cozy little cafe by the corner caught my eye...
This sandwich was really yummy! One serving just wasn't enough. You'd agree with me if you had taken a bite.
Shortly after my second helping, his friend had reached and we could finally get some decent rest at his place. :)
Thankfully, D managed to catch some forty winks in the carrier as we waited for Mr. Blockhead's friend to pick us up. He's usually the one waiting for us at the airport, but this time, he didn't. He didn't know our arrival time.
That's fine. I had some breakfast as we waited (Mr. Blockhead claimed he didn't want any). Food is constantly on my mind no matter where I am or even if the sky comes crashing down. Not too far away, a cozy little cafe by the corner caught my eye...
This sandwich was really yummy! One serving just wasn't enough. You'd agree with me if you had taken a bite.
Shortly after my second helping, his friend had reached and we could finally get some decent rest at his place. :)
May 04, 2011
21 Apr 11 - THE DAY IS HERE
I was counting down to this day, but as the day draws closer, my much anticipated excitement morphed into worries.
Our flight time was 10:40pm, which was way past D's sleeping time. I thought perhaps he'll just get sooooo tired that he'll fall into a deep slumber til we touch down the next morning. I was so wrong...
He did fell asleep during take off. When the seat-belt sign was turned off, we thought he'd be more comfortable in the bassinet. Hence, we carefully moved him over. Bad move! He became so awake that he wanted to play and our countless attempts to put him back to sleep failed terribly. He cried and cried like there's no tomorrow.
The sleep battle lasted for hours - from 11pm to 3am. The 6-hour journey seemed like forever. I was so embarrassed and frustrated that I wished I could jump off the plane.
On second thoughts, poor D must have been suffering from over-tiredness. He had only 2.5 hours of nap time in the day and endured til we boarded the plane.
I'm so sorry, my darling angel...
Our flight time was 10:40pm, which was way past D's sleeping time. I thought perhaps he'll just get sooooo tired that he'll fall into a deep slumber til we touch down the next morning. I was so wrong...
He did fell asleep during take off. When the seat-belt sign was turned off, we thought he'd be more comfortable in the bassinet. Hence, we carefully moved him over. Bad move! He became so awake that he wanted to play and our countless attempts to put him back to sleep failed terribly. He cried and cried like there's no tomorrow.
The sleep battle lasted for hours - from 11pm to 3am. The 6-hour journey seemed like forever. I was so embarrassed and frustrated that I wished I could jump off the plane.
On second thoughts, poor D must have been suffering from over-tiredness. He had only 2.5 hours of nap time in the day and endured til we boarded the plane.
I'm so sorry, my darling angel...
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