On the eve of departure and we are hit by the worst of news - Australia's count of confirmed cases increased by 47 on Saturday to 254 to over 500 as of this morning. I never want to put on mask onboard the plane but if I have to do it to save myself from the virus, I will. In addition to masks I will also be popping Vitamin C supplements to boost my immunity. Don't wanna sound paranoid but the pandemic is speading like wildfire. Better to be safe than sorry.

Am feeling the jitters now. Few more hours to go and the verdict will be out. Am keeping everything I could think of crossed. May the force be with me!

An Eventful Day - June 4th

To many it's just another day, but it will be a special one for me as it marks 3 events - all happening in a day - which I have mixed feelings for...

Apprehensive, because after 4 weeks of agonizing wait my exam results will be released on Thursday. On one hand I am looking forward to it as the wait is tormenting, however there's also the fear that the truth is gonna hurt. Although I always believe that one should hope for the best and prepare for the worst, it's almost always easier said than done. I will continue to HOPE and PREPARE for what may come.

Happy, because I'll be seeing some folks that I've not had the chance to catch up with after I left my ex ex ex employer, ATK. Time flies, it's been 3 years since I bade goodbye to them and although I make it a point to meet up with some friends on a regular basis there are still those whom I didn't manage to meet. So, for that I'm looking forward to the upcoming Alumni get-together.

Keyed up, because I'm finally going to Melbourne for the long overdue vacation. The cold weather, never ending list of must try restaurants, vineyard tour, Great Ocean, awaits me! I think the most memorable part of the trip is gonna be my first time driving overseas on one of the world's most scenic roads on a Mitsubishi Outlander! I hope for it to be a gentle giant and have mercy on my pathetic driving skills ;P

The countdown begins.... NOW! Arrrrrrrgh!!!!

Is Sorry The Hardest Thing To Say?

Saying sorry can be the hardest word to utter and there's always a concern that you may not be forgiven. However, it is never too late to apologize and is the call of integrity to do so. How someone choose to receive it is up to them because all we can do is to make good and hope for renewal through our courage of being accountable.

In essence, it is never too late to apologize and one should never estimate the power of apology.

'When one person is sorry it doesn't matter, but when two are sorry about the same thing, thats when it does.'

Turtle Soup

The foodie in me is always on the look out for good makan places and more so now that I've all the time I can spare. So, off I went to try one of the many Chinese delicacy, Turtle soup. Headed out to Ser Seng at Macpherson for my first meal of today and I wasn't disappointed at all. Hubby and I ordered a portion each ($13) and yam rice and the soup was packed with goodness. Don't ask me what went into making of the soup but by the taste and looks of it I can tell they were generous with the use of Chinese herbs. Not only did I walk away happy and contented, most importantly I had my collagen fix.

The restaurant is a small setting and sits about 60 pax at max. By the time I left slightly past 12 noon the crowd was already streaming in slowly by surely.

Ser Seng Herbs (Turtle) Rest.
39, Tai Thong Crescent
(behind the former 24-hr Mapherson hawker centre)
Closed on Monday

Just got back from the airport after sending Sis and her Amore off at the airport.  Dad, Mom, Bro and Marisa (Sis' BFF) were there too.  They had so many luggages it was no surprise when the counter staff acted suspicious and asked for documentations, contact details of arrival transfer, details of company, etc.  And it didn't help when Amore's passport has a whole collection of immigration stamps, so I reckoned they must be wondering what is this Italian guy up to. Thankfully they managed to sort it out after talking to to the driver in Korea.

As expected Mom got teary at the departure gate so I made sure to bid our swift farewell and took no chance at letting her shed a tear... We know her too well to want to take the chance.

We're gonna miss Sis for the next few months until she's back for "vacation".  Take care my dear Sis.  I may always call you airhead but deep down you know I love you to bits.  

Sisters don't need words.  They have perfected a language of snarls and smiles and frowns and winks - expressions of shocked surprise and incredulity and disbelief.  Sniffs and snorts and gasps and sighs - that can undermine any tale you're telling.  ~ Pam Brown

Where The Sidewalk Ends...

Would you ever guess that it's a private dining restaurant owned by - if I may use the term - celebrity couple Jessie Soo and Wee Khim? I for one didn't know this place existed until 2 weeks ago. It's a black & white house located at Hooper Road (along Bukit Timah Road) and the set up is very homely and cosy with warm lightings and the hosts were very professional, making it a point to address all of us by our first name. Impressive! Oh, before I forget, the dinner was organized for Professional Administrator's week and we also took the opportunity to celebrate a special gal's birthday.

Don't expect too much of the food as it tasted like home cooked meal with a touch of class. However, I must commend them for the lovely finger food - chopped tomatoes on mini baugette and stewed onions (below) and feta cheese on pastry crust (we enjoyed it so much it vanished almost immediately and hence no photo taken).

Grilled mushrooms and eggplant. It was light and refreshing and the mushrooms were oozing with sweetness.

Angel's hair pasta prepared with anchovies and tobiko. The pasta was done al dente but I thought it was a little dry for my liking although it was tasty.


My choice of maincourse - Lamb. The meat was tender but a bit too well cured (correct term used?) that it didn't taste it.


Shirley and Yours Truly


Relaxing moment with Lynn and Audrey

Enjoying the beautiful voice of Jessica. What a way to end the lovely evening.

Lectures are officially over for now until the exam jitters hit me (again) between late April to early May. Many months of hard work and late nights, all for a piece of "paper". But is it worth it? Definitely! Not only did I become wiser *ahem* but also the friendships gained over the past 15 months. Let's hope alls well ends well.

Leadership Management & Organization theory group.

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Sis turned 33 on April 10th so BFF, Marisa, planned a small do at Helio Asia Spa at Paragon a day before. One tip from yours truly. Don't try their manicure/pedicure cos I can do a better job for sure. Nevertheless, the 90 min shiatsu massage and 30 min foot massage was decent, and the hot tub was heavenly. Ladies, bring along your bikini as I won't recommend you put on the outfit that's provided by them.

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Amore aka Andrea made Sis her birthday cake. Yes, it's the most popular Italian dessert. It was good except for the slight overdose of cocoa powder, otherwise, I luurve it.