Period: 31st March 11 – 8th April 11

Season: Spring!

I am flying to Japan!!! (Land of the Rising Sun) To take a break? Yea...

Albeit all disasters thats going on in Japan, we are still going ahead with our trip.

Can't afford to miss the hanami season after our tiring effort in planning since last year!

Go Japan! Our hearts are with you.

There are also meanings hidden in the number of roses exchanged between people. Some of these meanings have been derived from visual significance, while some have caught on from popular stories and myths.

- 1 Rose - Love at first sight or devotion to one person
- 2 Roses - Mutual feelings of love and affection
- 3 Roses - "I love you"
- 6 Roses - "I miss you"
- 7 Roses - Infatuation
- 9 Roses - Together forever
- 10 Roses - Perfect love
- 11 Roses - You are my treasured one; the one I love Most in My life
- 12 Roses - One dozen roses is a declaration of love and appreciation
- 13 Roses - From your secret admirer or "we are friends forever"
- 15 Roses - I am truly sorry, please forgive me
- 20 Roses - Believe me, I am sincere towards you
- 21 Roses - I am devoted to you
- 24 Roses - "I belong to you" or "thinking of you 24 hours a day"
- 33 Roses - Saying "I love you" with great affection
- 36 Roses - Head over heals in love or "I cherish our relationship"
- 40 Roses - "My love for you is genuine"
- 50 Roses - Unconditional, boundless love
- 99 Roses - I will love you for as long as I live
- 100 Roses - Represents a century and says "I want to grow old with you"
- 101 Roses - You are my one and only love
- 108 Roses - Proposal of marriage
- 365 Roses - I can't stop thinking of you each and everyday
- 999 Roses - Everlasting and Eternal Love

Interesting isn't is? No matter how many stalks of roses one give, its the thoughts that counts...

How can we maintain strong, healthy and self-fulfilling relationships with a partner, parent or friend? Some important points we can take note:

Communication – “Two monologues do not make a dialogue ~ Jeff Daly”

Deep, frequent, heart-to-heart conversations are essential in maintaining any relationship. Relationships fail when individuals hold the belief that: if he/she loves me, he/she should know what to do or what to say. I don’t have to tell him/her what I’m feeling or thinking.

We have to keep in mind that we are meant to interact, and are not mind readers. If you have difficulty communicating deep issues face-to-face, start off by sharing about your day and build up the confidence gradually by sharing issues closer to your heart. The person on the receiving end of your sharing will usually be appreciative of your trust and honesty.

Make time for each other

Set specific times during the week to do something both of you (or in a group setting) enjoy doing. Make it a point to celebrate special occasions and if finances permit, why not spend a weekend away from the stressors in life? Recognise that it is equally important to make time for your family.

Recalling the good times

Remember why you fell in love the first place. There are always wonderful memories etched in our brains. Reminisce on the fun times you had together with your friends and children. Tapping on such memories will also allow you to be more appreciative of one another.

Do something nice for your loved one

Know your partner’s, friends’ and family’s love language and do something they can appreciate. Love languages are expressed by – buying gifts, words of affirmation, acts of service, physical touch, and quality time. Understand how your partner showers you with affection and allow your partner to understand how you shower him/her with affection.

Appreciate the present

It’s too late for regrets when a love one passes on. There’s no point in grieving when the person has passed on or has decided to be out of your life. Learn to appreciate the present. Life is too short to dwell on the insignificant.

Celebrate and Enjoy

Celebrate the relationships you have made and maintained over the years. Enjoy the fruit of each journey you walked with that individual. Thank the person for being your partner, friend or family. Be grateful that they are still by you this day.

By Ms Yang Su-Yin
Senior Psychologist at Department of Psychological Services and Pain Management Clinic at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

Your blog is interesting! The way you write is so cute! Yes, that came from my girl. Didn't know that she's in love with my blog entries! A vivid reader in fact. I should really blog more... Haa. Well, it's really really long since I last blogged. Yes. I said that a thousand times and I'm so thick skin to repeat it yet again. So back to a review of year 2010? Let's see;

Trip of the year: China (A cheap yet longest tour with the girl. Haa)

Low turn of the year: To be jobless for 2 months!

Hype of the year: What else but World Cup 2010! (A pity Germany didn't win it!..)

Action of the year: To apply for a flat with the girl? (Sianz, didn't get it in the end...)

Joke of the year: It's got to be... *blows at the girl* She look at it, I replied I'm the last airbender..." Wahaha =D

Let's see what other categories...

Oh, there's animal of the year: The king penguin and the kimono dragon... (well didn't know how I can come up with that! =p)

Well, I guess that sums up the year for me. Hopefully brand new year means brand new entries from me? Gambate! Huat ah!

The girl and I had the chance to go out to the open sea of Singapore to do some shooting after both of us signed up for a free maritime event organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) It was really a cool experience for of us even though we had to wake up in the wee hours where everyone else were still sleeping just to head on down for this event.

And so, we boarded a vessel and head out to the open sea for some photography. An eye opener for both of us accompanied by a nice weather. We really enjoyed ourselves and guessed we were considered lucky too, having to be picked out of so many others who had signed up for this event.

P.S Due to the regulatory requirements, I could not post any pictures here. So well.

I am terribly sorry for the lack of posts lately. I had wanted to blog as and when here and there but just couldn't find time out of it. It was not that I had nothing to talk or share about, rather I was just too cropped up with issues. Work issues, money issues, time management issues etc... Especially when I came to know that my girl has actually bookmarked my link, I felt terribly lousy. After all, she is still my loyal reader/follower.

I should really find time to throw in some words time to time if not, at least some pictures will help. I knew that I had missed out several past entries, especially my Japan entries! Omg! But fear not, I will still upload the pictures into my travel blog which can be found here ---> http://raphel.wordpress.com/ Hee... Do check it out yea.

Period: 1st – 7th December 09

Season: Winter!

Oh.... yea. I am finally flying to Japan!!! (Land of the Rising Sun) And I am feeling so excited. Can't wait...!!! =P

Having planned and celebrated the girl's birthday, it was now her turn to plan for mine. The girl was sure having difficulties on what present to get and which restaurant to book for us to have a wonderful meal together. Nonetheless, she managed to find one and gosh, it was a posh and expensive one!

We were at Keppel Bay Marina! The name of the restaurant, Prive. I supposed we were there quite early and that's why there were not much people seated. The ambiance, however, was great! I would say we were given personalized services! Haha. And so, we started ordering our food, given some recommendations by the waitress.

While waiting for our orders, we were treated to a complimentary ’starter’. Somehow, we forgotten what it was known as. Well, nonetheless it still tasted good!

Our starter was crudo, made from hokkaido scallops, sakura prawns, olive oil, yuzu and shiroshoyu.Yea... Sounds nice huh? Yummy seafood!

The girl had the rare duck breast and confit of duck leg for the main course, while I had the grilled kurobuta pork chop. Both comes with free fruits? Haha. For hers, it was paired with the persimmon-like fruit and the combined taste was really really nice. For mine, need-less to say. It's apple and the apple sauce was really good too especially when the whole piece of pork chop is being covered with apple sauce! Haha.

Look at the portion of our main. It was huge....!!! We both had our fill and I would say it was really nice. But that's not all, up next is our dessert.

We had the molten center chocolate soufflé. Nice, fluffy and soft, it’s no doubt it was the recommended dessert by the waitress. We were kinda wobbling after our meal. Haha.

Wow. Time passed so quickly and I've not blogged for like 2 months! Rest assured friends that my blog is still alive... Haa

With all the back dated entries, I really need to get things done. (Guess the girl is already smiling just by looking at this entry. =P)

With the girl's birthday coming up, it is also my turn to get busy as I need to plan for her celebration. It is really quite a headache as her birthday always clashes with the F1 race! Omg, 3 more years of misery... Nonetheless, I still managed to come up with something. This time round, I made a reservation at Serenity (A Spanish restaurant and bar) at Vivocity.


Having seen some good reviews about the place, I decided to go for a try. It was our first time trying out Spanish food. The ambiance was nice, with a live band going on. And the best thing is we were given a huge sofa seat which fits 6 people!

For a start, we ordered the Gambas al Ajillo. (sauteed tiger prawns with garlic and olive oil) The prawns were extremely fresh and yummy! The main course was the Paella Valanciana. (saffron, chicken, Spanish chorizo, tiger prawns, squid, half shell mussels, rice)


Interesting dish with lots of seafood! We even had 2 glasses of red wine to go along. Hahaha...

That's not all the next early morning, we went on to Riders Cafe. As the girl had always wanted to try out the food there, as well as to catch a glimpse of the horse trotting, I made an early reservation in advance. It was a wise choice as the place was really crowed as early as 10 am.

The girl ordered the Norwegian Salmon Benedict while I had the Rider’s Breakfast, both of which cost less than $15! Good deal! Not to mention the fact that their food tasted really really good, that it made us both fall in love with the place.


At the end of the weekend, I was so happy to see her with all smiles on her face. Happy Birthday Girl. =)

Recent weeks, I'm really feel I'm overwhelmed with work, stress and problems.

I'm really stressed up. Feeling very tired...

I'm trying to control myself. Almost lost my cool at work. Felt helpless...

I fell sick. Lost my appetite.

I need a break. A long one in fact or maybe a permanent one...

I am not feeling good.

Issues around me and things are certainly not going well for me.

Quarrels came and go, experiencing a roller coaster life.

Am I happy or am I sad?

Understand that there’s no equality/fairness in this world.

Accepted the fact that this wouldn’t even exist in a relationship.

I felt lost… drifting into a state of wilderness…

Question: Ms America, how do you describe a male sex organ in your country?
Ms America: Well, I can say that the male sex organs in America are like gentlemen.

Question: How can you say so?

Ms America: Because it stands every time it sees a woman......

(Applause!Applause!)




Question: Ms Spain, how do you describe a male sex organ in your country?

Ms Spain: Male organs in our country are like our very own Bullfight or
Toro(Bull)

Question: How can you say so?

Ms Spain: Because it charges every time it sees an opening.

(Applause! Applause !)




Question: Ms Iran, how do you describe a male sex organ in your Country?

Ms Iran: Well, I can say that male sex organs in Iran are like thieves.

Question: How can you say so?

Ms I ran: Because they like to enter through the back door.

(Applause!Applause! Laughter! Laughter! Applause! Applause!)




Question: Ms India, how do you describe a male sex organ in your country?

Ms India: Well, I can say the male sex organs in India are like labourers.

Question: How can you say so?

Ms India: Because it works day and night......

(Applause!Applause! Applause! Applause! Applause! Applause! Applause!)




Question: Ms Singapore,how do you describe a male sex organ in your country?

Ms Singapore: Well, I can say that male sex organ In Singapore is very Kiasu
(Afraid to lose).

Question: How can you say so?

Ms Singapore: It always wants to rush in quick and leave 15 minutes before
the show is over.

(Applause! Applause! Applause! Applause! Applause! Applause!Applause!)


Question: Ms Philippines, how do you describe a male sex organ in your country?

Ms Philippines: Well, I can say that male sex organs in our country are like
gossip or rumors.

Question: How can you say so?

Ms Philippines: Because it passes from mouth to mouth.

(Applause!Applause! Standing Ovation! Applause! Applause!)


Question: Ms Malaysia, how do you describe a male sex organ in your country?

Ms Malaysia: Well, I can say that male sex organs in Malaysia are like
Proton car.

Question: How can you say so?

Ms Malaysia: Looks tough (hard) on the outside but in reality is very soft.

(Applause! Applause! Laughter! Laughter! Applause ! Applause!)




Question: Ms Taiwan, how do you describe a male sex organ in your country?

Ms Taiwan: Well, I can say that a male sex organ in Taiwan like Chen Shui
Bian....

Question: How can you say so?

Ms Taiwan: Incompetent… trying to show that it can perform its job when it obviously cannot!

(Applause!Applause! Applause!Applause! Laughter! Laughter! Applause! Applause! Applause!)

It may seen like a childhood cartoon to all boys, but this movie is one which really kickass! It's simply cool and awesome! One should see the costumes used in the show as they are simply cool... The new age laser guns and the slick black leather suits! =P Characters like Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes have great martial and sword play skills. Storm Shadow, dressed in white in the show was really cool, even though he was the bad guys side.

The girl was simply in awe throughout the whole show, so it was a thumbs up for the how! Go catch it! =)

Lighthouse at Fullerton

Left: Foccacia bread with black olive dip
Right: Bake salmon cake

17-20 July 2009

It was our last day in the foreign land, therefore the girl and I decide to scramble for any last minute items.

Having heard of the R Burger that is due to open in Ion Orchard, we thought that we would like to try it out in Bangkok first, where it was first discovered by the Singapore actor who decided to open the franchise here back home. The bread was actually the man-tou bread! Special and healthy isn't it?

We would never have thought that we would actually catch a movie to mark the end of our trip. Harry Potter it was, and by sheer luck or misfortune, we actually chose the theatre that was like our very own GV Gold class. There was a mini blanket, with retractable seat! It was really quite an experience especially when we had to stand before the screening of the movie as all cinemas would play the national anthem of Thailand. Different yea...

Last but not least before we head on to airport, we treated ourselves to the long lost A&W where I had my root-beer float. Slurp slurp. Nice! =D

Again, it was nice and enjoyable shopping trip with the girl. =)

17-20 July 2009


We woke up to a beautiful Sunday and where are we heading to today? Chatuchuk Weekend Market! Yes, it's the hot and stuffy market, but the stuff sold there were cheap, with a huge variety too. However, both the girl and I still didn't manage to get much things there and we left after walking just 2 rounds round the market.

The girl had wanted to go to Siam Ocean World since the day we touched down. Since we were pretty free and tired after a round of shopping, we decided to go have a look. (One should see the girl's excitement as fish is her favorite seafood)


It is interesting how we did not see this attraction last year when we were there. And now, in less than half a year, Siam Paragon has another tourist attraction.


One thing to note is that the attraction does feature a fair bit of weird sea creatures. Deep sea creatures which looked like aliens, with a predator face! Oh ya, as part of our admission tickets, we were entitled to a glass bottom boat ride!

17-20 July 2009

It was an early start to our second day, having to wake up real early in the morning for our breakfast and our half day tour. International buffet, Blue Spice! See, got label one... Haa. Not to mention dining by the pool! Lovely isn't it? Too bad there's no pictures of me in swimming attire. Hahaha...

After breakfast, off we went for our river tour, accompanied by an English speaking local tour guide and our very own private transport, a limousine... (It's just a Volvo)


The ride was fairly interesting. We were brought around the river, Thailand's most famous river, Chao Phraya river, where we get to view temples and the living conditions of the people who lived in raised homes just above the river, by the river. The tour guide even joked about that we were at the Venice or even Amsterdam! =S

The ride ended off with a stopover at a reptile park which we didn't go in, before making a U-turn to the starting point. One sad thing is that we didn't get a chance to see the floating market. Well, it's still not so bad after all, for we have been to their most famous river. =)


The actual tour actually brought us to some other places like the jewellery shops and silk shops. Guess the girl wasn't interested in all these and so we hurriedly made our way from one shop to the other. That's where they brought us to another tailor shop - James Fashion International. Guess I already had enough shirt and pants so I gave it a miss. Perhaps, next time round when we return yea.

And so, it was more shopping for us after the tour followed with a nice MK steamboat dinner to reward our tired legs. (Go try it for those who didn't. The sauce was extremely nice!) Yummy... =) We wrapped up the night by heading to Sum Lum night market for a stroll, before heading back to the hotel for a good night's rest.