Where Are You, My Peppy Gal?

The hubby and I received a very sad news tonight. Peppy was shot by an Algerian. We do not know who did it, how it happened, when it happened and where it happened. Nobody saw her body. All we know is that Peppy did not come home on 27 and 28 Dec 2009. My driver then heard from someone that an algerian had shot Peppy and that she was dead.

I do not know if Peppy is really dead since her body was not found. Deep in my heart, I'm still hoping that she is alive. Maybe she managed to escape and is hiding in somewhere safe. Maybe she wandered too far away from home and couldn't find her way back. Maybe she found herself a partner and decided to leave with him. I do not know. My only wish is that my Peppy gal is still alive.

Where are you, my Peppy gal? Please come home if you are still alive. I miss you.

BB Ong @ 10 Weeks 1 Day

My mum-in-law, Sis, Gwendolyn and Glenn saw BB Ong for the first time at my gynae's this morning. BB Ong was very active! He was kicking his tiny legs the whole time and even waved at us! It's so amazing to see how much my baby has grown in 2 weeks.

My sis took a video of BB Ong. I'm going to upload it on Flickr so that the hubby could see how active this little fella is.

I'm Thinking of...

Penne Arrabiata from Pasta Fresca.
Tom Yum Goong Noodle from Secret Recipe.
Roti Prata Kosong with Thick Spicy Fish Curry (no fish meat, please).
Mee Tai Mak Soup cooked by Sis.
Any Authentic Penang Assam Laksa.

These are the stuff that have been swirling in my head for days.

I am so hungry BUT I can't eat. Sigh.

BB Ong @ 9 weeks

BB Ong is exactly 9 weeks today. I'm looking forward to my gynea appointment next Friday. From what I've read, a baby's heartbeat might be audible by the 10th week. I hope I'll be able to hear BB Ong's glorious heartbeat by then.

As for me, I've been well except when afternoon sickness strikes and lasts throughout the night. Usually after the first meal of the day, I would feel nauseous. Sometimes I would puke out the food I've had but mostly it's all water and saliva. I have also developed an aversion to all kinds of meat which includes seafood. So, goodbye cheese burger. Goodbye KFC. Goodbye bak kwa. Goodbye chili crab. I'm officially a vegetarian for now. I've read that morning sickness will be gone for most women as she enters into the second trimester. I hope it holds true for me. I need to gain back my appetite else BB Ong will be deprived of all the nutrients he needs.

Apart from afternoon sickness and poor appetite, I've been feeling a little down and weepy occasionally. The compulsive worrier in me has become more evident. I worry, I fear and I cry for irrational and illogical reasons. Perhaps my mood swings has been exacerbated by the fact that the hubby is away. But I do recognise that the emotional ups and downs that I'm going through is attributed to all the surges of pregnancy hormones.

Alright. I think I'm making myself sounds like I'm in severe depression. Don't worry, I'm not. I'm still emotionally stable and is fully capable of feeling the joy of having BB Ong growing inside me.

BB Ong BB Ong, Mommy can't wait to see you next week!

Meet BB Ong!

I saw BB Ong's heartbeat for the very first time this morning. His heart was beating at a super fast speed. From the ultrasound scan, he looked so tiny and really cute. I'm happy that BB Ong is growing well in my tummy. I can't wait for the hubby to return home to see our baby.

BB Ong at 7+ weeks

Goodbye, H.

I wish it was all a joke.

I cannot believe that you are gone forever. There is so much I want to know about you. And there is so much I want to share with you. I'm sorry I didn't treasure the times when you were around. We hardly met up for the past few years. And even if we did, I hardly knew what was going on in your life. I should have tried harder to be a better friend. I really should have.

I've been thinking alot about you - your laughter, your lame jokes, your signature dance moves. The thought of you put a smile on my face. I'm thankful for the friendship we used to share. You may be gone but never forgotten.

I will always miss you, H.

Taiwan

The trip to Taiwan was a spur-of-the-moment decision. The hubby and I were walking along Orchard Road on our second day in Singapore and I suddenly exclaimed, "Let's go get air tickets now and fly somewhere for a holiday!" The hubby looked at me and asked, "Where?" Without any hesitation, I said, "Taipei!". I have been to Taipei before and I miss the yummilicious street food. I thought since the hubby loves food, it would be nice to go on a food safari in Taipei.

So instead of heading to the brand new SIA office located in Ion to get the tickets, we returned home and booked the tickets online. I called my eldest brother to inform him about our sudden arrival the next day. He suggested we stayed with him in Taichung for a night before continuing with our trip in Taipei. I immediately agreed. It would be nice to spend some time with my nephews and to visit my brother's new apartment for the first time.

We didn't visit any major tourist sites in Taichung. The main objective of our trip to Taichung was to visit my brother and his family. We had a great time hanging out with my nephews at the Feng Jia Night Market. It is the biggest and most popular night market in Taichung. We went there mainly for the delicious street food and of course we ended up stuffing ourselves silly. I especially love the mouth watering glutinous rice sausages. I'm still thinking about it till today.

Before we headed back to Taipei, we also had the opportunity to visit the primary school which Ian and Sean were studying in. Ian was part of the school's Chinese orchestra. He played the cello. The hubby and I had the privilege to watch him play with the rest of the members. Ian even took us for a mini tour around the school.

We returned to Taipei on our second day in Taiwan. By then, there were warnings about the impending heavy rain and strong wind brought about by the typhoon. True enough, it poured for the next few days. But the wet weather did not deter us from venturing around Taipei. We had our raincoats and wore them everywhere we went. We visited several tourist sites and most importantly we ate to our hearts' content! I have a feeling that the hubby and I will return to Taiwan for more tantalizing food very soon!

We had to take a high speed train from Taipei to Taichung. It was an hour train ride.

Street food at Feng Jia Night Market. Left pic shows a stall which sells glutinous rice sausages which I LOVE so much. Oh! And that's my all time fav street food on the bottom right pic - Stinky Fried Tofu! Woo hoo!

More street food at Feng Jia Night Market.

We visited the primary school which our nephews attended on the day Ian had Chinese orchestra practice.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei.

Taipei 101 on a rainy night. We went up the building to the 89th floor but it was so foggy we couldn't really see the panoramic night view of Taipei City.

More glorious food from Shilin Night Market.

Shopping, eating and massage at Xi Meng Ding.

More glorious food from Yong Kang Street and Shi Da Night Market.

Popular dessert shop (top 2 pics) and Gao Ji Restaurant at Yong Kang Street (bottom left).

Thankful

BB Ong is such a lucky little fella. Even in his early stage when he remains a blur in the ultrasound scan, there are already so many people who care and love him.

This morning as I was still lying in bed, Ah Gu called and congratulated me. He said a prayer for BB Ong over the phone. I was really touched by his prayer. I am reminded of how blessed we are to be surrounded by family members and friends who love us unconditionally.

Right now, there's nothing else I can ask for except to count my blessings.

Now, Tell Me What Do You See?

Can this be real???

I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane

...without my babies.

I'm leaving you for a while. I don't know for how long. But I do know I'll be leaving my heart behind. J'taime, mon cherie.

Answer to "Bo Liao" Question

No one has answered my question. Why? Never mind.

Here's the ultimate truth.

The hubby and I were having lunch one day. While chatting over our lunch, I did it. I burped and farted at the same time, to which the hubby exclaimed, "Brilliant!!!"

This is what I called multi-tasking. Heh.

Ermm...Food For Thought?

This is a "bo liao" post. If you have nothing better to do, read on.

Some time back, the hubby's colleagues and I had a discussion over this topic. I think we were seriously bored then.

"Can one fart and burp at the same time?"

All of them concluded that one could not do both simultaneously. What do you think? I would very much like to hear your take on this. Come on! Leave a comment, will ya?

Read This

http://www.dayswithmyfather.com/

It's poignant and hauntingly beautiful.

The Hubby is Famous!

Not quite actually. But his face did appear amongst many others in a photo published in The Straits Times today. Here's the link:
http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/sp/nationaldayrally2009/090817_singaporeans_are_ready_to_rough_it_out.html
In case the link doesn't work and for posterity's sake, I copied the pic from The Straits Times Interactive and posted it here.

The 1st guy from the left in the front row is the hubby.

(Pic taken from The Straits Times Interactive)

I was extremely excited to read the article and at the end of it, I thought to myself. "Eh some info not correct leh." Hmm...I think ST should speak to me personally.

I Never Truly Knew

I never knew
the anticipation
the anxiety
the hopes raised and then dashed into smithereens
the frustrations
the agony
the mind constantly tormented with uncertainties
the pain
the tears
the fears of the unknown and the dire thought of never getting there
I never truly knew until today

Let Me In

Roxie has been spending alot of time in the house. So much so that it has become a habit. If we refuse to let her in, she would scratch the door, whine and cry in the most pitiful manner. And in the end, we or rather I would always cave in.

That day, Roxie was let into the house again. She fell asleep soon after and this was what I saw.

Now, how could anyone have the heart to kick this cute little pup out of the house? I don't. So Roxie still gets to come into the house during the day and sleeps over occasionally.

Singapore's 44!

This is how I celebrated National Day in a foreign land.

Made a few paper flags. Gave some away. Stuck one on our front door. Dressed up in red and white. Gathered patriotic Singaporeans outside our house. Posed in front of the door. Smiled and clicked! Followed by more clicks. And when the rest went back to the office, I retuned to the house and sang 'Count on Me, Singapore' with gusto. Happy Birthday, Singapore!

Happy 44th Birthday!!!

We're proud to be Singaporeans!!!

French

That day, I sent a SMS to my driver. I attempted to write in French.

This is what I wrote:
Pouvez-vous m'aider acheter les legumes, une poulet et 2kg boeuf s'il vous plait? Merci.

The next day, I asked him. "How? My French good?"

"Good. But a little bit fault," he replied. I wonder which part of the sentence is "a little bit fault". Oh well. At least he understood.

Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is breathtakingly stunning. Some said it's like a pocket-sized Prague. But I have to add that its beauty surpasses that of Prague. This quaint little town has a fairy tale feel. The story of Hansel and Gretel immediately came to my mind when I stood in awe as the picturesque scenery unfolded before me. I was completely enthralled by the lovely cottage-like houses and even imagined myself living in a gingerbread and candy cottage. It was so surreal.

Isn't this quaint little town awesome?

The Vltava River (top left pic) and one of the many riverside cafes and restaurants (top right pic). If you are game for some action, rent a canoe/raft and cruise down the meandering river (bottom left pic). The last pic on the bottom right corner shows a house which is on sale and I am still wondering how much it costs.

Cesky Krumlov Castle and the Castle Tower.

Courtyard of Cesky Krumlov Castle. It's a pity photography is not allowed during the tour of the castle. The rooms are opulent and impressive.

Look how lovely these houses are.

Prague

This post is overdue for almost a month. Mrs Bum has been busy lolling around lately hence the delay. Nevertheless, she managed to squeeze out some time to blog amidst her hectic schedule.

I had an early birthday celebration in Czech Republic. Why Czech Republic? You may ask. There are several reasons to my choice. First, Mister Busy aka the hubby only had 10 days of leave. Besides going on a birthday trip, we wanted to head home to be with our loves ones as well. So we had to chose a destination where the main tourist sites could be covered within 4 to 5 days. Second, considering we had chosen to stay in a 5 stars boutique hotel in an excellent location plus flying by British Airways and not some budget airline, it was a bargain. Third, for the obvious reason that Prague is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway (but some would beg to differ I'm sure).

Prague is a gem. The stroll along Vltava River in the evening is especially unforgettable. I marvelled at the elegance and exquisiteness of the architecture and was deeply enchanted by the magical view of Prague Castle. I like the stroll across Charles Bridge too. It's kind of romantic but you have to visit it in the late evening or at dawn when there're less tourists. Another of my favourite place is the Old Town Square. It's such a lively place with so many activities going on, you could sit all day at the sidewalk cafe just to people watch or simply soak up the atmosphere.

Enough said. I'll let the pictures tell the story.

I was dazzled by the beautiful architecture as the hubby and I took a leisure stroll along the Vltava River.

Powder Tower in Old Town.

Tyn Church with its distinctive twin Gothic steeples.

The atmospheric Old Town Square which comes alive with its many on-going activities and throng of tourists.

Clock Tower of the Old Town Hall where the astronomical clock entertains tourists on the hour with its parade of apostles and a bell-ringing skeleton.

Wenceslas Square (Top left pic) dominated by the statue of St Wenceslas on horseback (Bottom 2 pics). At the back of the statue, stood the iconic National Museum (Top right pic).

The hill-top Prague Castle.

The impressive St Vitus Cathedral.

The Golden Lane - A 16th century tradesmen's quarter of tiny houses built within the castle complex. The tiny houses are now transformed into souvenir shops.

Sculptures found in Kampa Park (top right corner) and Prague Castle courtyard and garden (remaining pics).

The hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed the delicious food served by this restaurant called Kogo. We had our dinner there the first night and went back again the next day.

On the second night, we watched a play called "Aspects of Alice". We saw a long queue at the ticketing counter when we walked past the theatre. We thought since it was such a long queue, the play must be good. Besides, it was a mime performance - a language we all understood. So we bought tickets to the play. It was a brilliant performance and we were shocked by the last scene. We didn't expect an innocent storyline to have such a provocative act.

The famous and elegant Charles Bridge which is graced by 30 statues dating from the 18th century.

We were told that all our wishes would come true if we were to touch this particular statue at the Charles Bridge. We did and so did the many hopeful tourists.

The Charles Bridge is lined with jewellery stalls, portrait artists and street performers.

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.

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Like 2 mischievous teenagers, we goofed around, laughed and (secretly) made fun of our tour guide. Thank you for the beautiful memories. I can still feel it. Love is in the air and it lingers on...

Roxie

The hubby's colleague found a helpless little pup in the middle of a road 2 days ago. He brought it back. The poor pup must have lost her way and got separated from her mommy. We decided to adopt her and name her Roxie. Now, we have 2 doggies and Peppy has a playmate.

When Peppy first met Roxie, she barked ferociously at her. Poor Roxie was so afraid of her and refused to go near her. We guessed that Peppy must be jealous of Roxie. Afterall, she has been the only dog which has gotten so much attention and love from us. With the new addition, she felt threatened by Roxie's presence. We made several attempts to let both dogs get to know each other and eventually they became friends. But Peppy still gets jealous over little Roxie sometimes.

My Peppy gal, we still love you okay? And Roxie baby, welcome to the family!

Roxie.

Irony

"I have won. The price is high and the victory hollow. The line between truth and lie had blurred. In search of the truth, I, myself have become a lie." - The Little Black Book

I Carry Your Heart With Me

"I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)
I am never without it (anywhere I go, you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me, is your doing, my darling)
I fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)
I want no world (for beautiful you are, my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

Here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of a sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than soul can hope and mind can hide)
And this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)"

- E.E Cummings

Demise

Someone lost a son, a husband, a father and a friend. I wonder how many out there are suffering the same fate, mourning for their loss.

It has been 9 days since he passed on. I do not know him. I can't put a face to the image of the man who lay lifelessly on the hospital bed. But I can imagine how devastated his loved ones are. Even more so when they are unable to be reunited with him after his death.

I'm sorry. He couldn't come home. He remains in the soil of a foreign land - a place where he doesn't belong. Perhaps, only in their dreams, could they be together once again.

A Better Life

He broke the news to his beloved wife.
"I have to leave. It's for us, our child, our future.", he said.
Tears welled up in her eyes. Her lips trembled. She wanted him to stay. But for the sake of a better life, she had to let him go.

With only one luggage, he flew a long way to a foreign land with dozens of fellow workers. He didn't know any of them but it was comforting to know that at least they spoke the same language. A man in his late thirties, picked them up from the airport and they were transported to their living quarter. He was assigned to share a room with 3 others. It was a small shabby room with only four single beds and a wardrobe placed in it. That night, he couldn't get to sleep. He had never felt so alone in his entire life.

He was a hardworking man. He never once complained about work. Everday, he buried himself in his work. He only rested when it was time to do so. Keeping himself busy was the only way to take his mind off his family. But work only provided a temporary respite. As night fell, the pain of missing his family began piercing through his heart again and again.

5 years slipped by. But it seemed like eternity to him. The day he had longed for had arrived. Tomorrow, he would be going back to his homeland - a place where he called home and a place where his heart belonged. He couldn't wait to embrace his beloved wife and son. He wondered how much his son had grown. Had he put on weight? How tall was he now? Would he still be able to recognise me? He couldn't stop smiling thinking about his one and only precious son.

Finally, it was the end of his last working day. He was eager to head back to the living quarter to pack his luggage. But he never made it back that day. He fell into a deep hole and was pronounced dead. He could never hold onto his beloved wife again. He could never get to kiss his precious son again. The promise of a better life had taken away his life.

Whoever you are and wherever you are, I wish you and your family well.
May you rest in peace.

5 Years

5 years ago today, she was dressed in a gorgeous white wedding gown, glowing with happiness and waiting for the man she was madly in love with.
5 years ago today, he was in a smart black suit, looking incredibly charming and feeling a tad nervous of having to sing infront of a crowd so that he could get to kiss his lovely bride.
5 years ago today, she was deeply moved by his fabulously awful voice and made a promise to be his one and only greatest fan.
5 years ago today, he finally got to kiss his bride and made a promise to love her forever.

Today, she could no longer fit into that gorgeous white wedding gown. Her arms' flabby. Her waistline's expanded. And her hair's perpetually slightly dishevelled.
Today, he could no longer fit into that smart black suit. His tummy's inflated. His hair's grayed. And his face's showing signs of ageing.
But today, she is still his greatest fan and he still loves her more than ever.
And today is the day they count their blessings and remind themselves how fortunate they are to have found each other.

Happy 5th Wedding Anniversary.

Run! Forrest Run!

I bought a new pair of running shoes. Wore them out for a run this evening. I FEEL slimmer now. And Oh! I THINK my collarbone is showing. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

My new pair of Nike. Run! Run! Run! I gotta RUN!!!

Barcelona

Barcelona is a dynamic city pulsating with energy. There is something for everyone, be it the divine food, great shopping, vibrant arts scene, exciting nightlife or the blue glittering Mediterranean sea of the coastline. You won't be disappointed.

This dazzling city is strewn with historic and modern architecture. It's so beautiful that I found myself busy snapping away during my stay in Barcelona. And for the first time, the hubby actually declared that he would love to return to Barcelona again - something which is rare as no city/country has so deeply captivated his heart. I can understand why. The reason is obvious. It's simply too hard not to fall in love with this city.

The hubby and I went for a half day bike tour on our first day in Barcelona. I enjoyed it very much although I was struggling with the bike most of the time. I even crashed into a stone wall at the start of the journey. It was embarrassing but what the heck! I had fun anyway. The pic on the top left corner was taken at Arc of Triumph.

Gaudi's masterpiece - Temple of the Sagrada Familia. The church is Barcelona's most famous building. Construction began in the 19th century and the church is still under construction. It is estimated to be completed around 2025.

The different exquisite facades of the church.

Beautiful stained glass windows (from the left, 1st and 4th pic). The columns of the church resemble that of tree trunks and the ceilings are of the shape of flowers (from the left, 2nd and 3rd pic).

Food glorious food! How can we resist such tantalizing food?!

Amazingly gorgeous buildings. (Top left corner) La Pedrera, another of Gaudi's work. (Bottom right corner) Casa Lleo Morera.

(Top left corner) Plaza de Toros where bullfight takes place. (Centre pic) Casa Batllo, another of Gaudi's work. (Last pic from right) Palau de la Musica Catalana. This exuberantly ornamented redbrick holds hundreds of concerts each year.

Las Ramblas. The pedestrian boulevard is exploding with life. It's lined with street artists, musicians, news kioks and vendors selling accessories, clothings, flowers and even small pets.

Mercat de la Boqueria. A fresh food market which is one of Las Ramblas' highlights. I was happy just by looking at the numerous variety of food on display. It's one of our favourite places in Barcelona.

Barcelona's waterfront. (Top left corner) Rambla de Mar, a floating walkway. (Top right corner) Alfresco dining at the waterfront. (Bottom pics) Port Vell, a place for relaxation and leisure.

The Gothic cathedral of Barcelona which is under renovation at the time of visit.

Facades of medieval architecture spotted in the Gothic quarter.

(Top 2 pics) Characterised by its arcades and palm tress, Placa Reial is a beautiful square ringed with restaurants and cafes. (Bottom 2 pics) Placa de Catalunya, a circular plaza with fountains and sculptures, is a perfect place for people watching, feeding the pigeons or listening to Latino buskers.

The hubby and I took a cable car to the peak of Montjuic and from there, we were blown away by the panoramic view of the city.

Mes Que Un Club which means 'more than a club'. The hubby is a fan of FC Barcelona hence we definitely had to pay Camp Nou a visit.